The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Abby O'Neill | November 16, 2020
Enter the unassuming and innately talented Michael Kiwanuka from a "rainy London" flat that's dimly lit with a vintage feel. The Mercury Prize-winning musician evokes an all-encompassing softness in spirit as he leads viewers into the "Light," the first of five songs in his Tiny Desk (home) concert. The warm texture of his voice and tenderness of his soul belie the depth of his songwriting, which ranges from sociopolitical works to songs revealing the inner chambers of self-exploration. Featuring material from both Love & Hate and his more recent award-winning Kiwanuka, this is an absolutely stunning performance.
SET LIST
"Light"
"Hard To Say Goodbye"
"Hero"
"Cold Little Heart"
"Solid Ground"
MUSICIANS
Michael Kiwanuka: vocals, guitar, keys
CREDITS
Video: Eoin McLoughlin
Audio: St. Francis Hotel
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Abby O'Neill
Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
A voice that wraps you up like a warm blanket on a wintery day.
Great description. :)
@@tldavidson Thanks! It was actually a cold winter's day here in Utah as I was listening to it, and his voice was giving me the warm fuzzies.
like an extra sugar in a warm tea or the sensation of a feather on the skin :)
And then tears your heart to shreds.
@@monnagin5040 feather on the skin, sensual!
one of the GREATEST MUSICIANS WALKING EARTH.
Seriously.
100% agree
I Agree! He is authentic and all about the music. These kinda artists must be preserved and respected!
@@royvanderwens Can listen to this Music all day. No skips!
Facts
kinda jealous of all the people who are listening to this not having heard him before
Your comment compelled me to get my headphones.
I'm one of those dudes. Never heard him before. With many artists, you listen for 10 seconds, but after 10 seconds with this cat, I was like "Uh oooh, I gotta stop and truly listen...."
First time listener. You ain’t kidding, the first 5 seconds hits like a ton of bricks.
I’m the one of these too. After seconds transfer from iPhone to speaker, what a wonderful!
Me too....but then again, there are a ton of excellent artists out there who are unknown to the masses... Molly Tuttle, Rhiannon Giddens and Billy Strings are prime examples....
Never clicked faster in my life
Hope you cleaned your room before coming here👀
Congratulations. You earned some likes.
Idem
@@biskit5271 sadly no
@@replynotificationsdisabled thanks friend
accidentally clicking on this tiny desk concert was the happiest mistake I've made today
I somehow see in Michael Kiwanuka the Bill Withers of this generation. Unique voice, incredible songwriting and arrangements, great musicianship. One of the best doing it at the moment !
There’s probably more people than you think that made that connection.
Great comparison. Both sort of in their own lanes
For everyone who's only now just hearing him, i suggest to go listen to the studio versions as well. I mean this tiny desk is great, but the arrangements in the album have so much depth it's incredible
I thought the same thing because I instantly fell in love with this version of Light. It's the first time I heard the song. But the studio version doesn't speak to me at all after having listened to this. It just seems overloaded to me. For me this has more depth.^^
Thank you , definitely checking it out.
Thank you I will. You can feel the debth in his voice. I hear him hear n there but I feel now I need to let him in my life 😊 I want to hear more 😍😍
I almost like these more. But a lot has to do about the live aspect - like the recent performances at the V&A or the live session from the studio for Love & Hate, which isn't solo.
I love both versions for different reasons but whatever he is....such a wonderful musician... He is one of those musicians who comes along In a generation. Nobody will be as good as him for another generation.
I’m Kasule...Kiwanuka Originates from my Country, Thanks for representing Brother...Uganda🇺🇬 “Hero” is my favorite❤️
Mine too!
My intuition said to click on this. It never disappoints me.
Mines too
Is it jus me or did you think he was gonna set his guitar on fire Hendrix style b4 the last song...I looked like he was thinking about it lol!
Same 😌
Hello
Tracklist : 1) Light 0:13 2)Hard To Say Goodbye 4:34 3)Hero 9:21 4)Cold Little Heart 13:20 5)Solid Ground 17:50
Thank you
Thanks for posting the songs. :)
You can always count on one hero in the comments.
I looked at the first comments and wondered, where is the guy who comments the tracklist for the people? Not all heroes wear capes.
Thank you so much, I really wish they would just pin this comment or put similar timestamps in the description... 💚🙏
I’m sooo in love with Michael Kiwanuka ❤! As another musician, I worship him!! He’s nothing short of Prophetic!!! A Gift from the Gods!!!❤
Being Ugandan has never felt so good🥺
Glad am not the only Ugandan who loves and appreciates his music
I'm so happy they finally got a Ugandan artist on here!
another Ugandan here, great to support one of our own!🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬
Greetings my Ugandan brothers and sisters, from Seattle USA.....
Happy finding y’all here, peace family🇺🇬
Saw him in 2017... Truly a life changer... Hasn’t been many days I haven’t listened to something of Michael’s. I lost my son Michael.. He was 23... I told him telephone poles don’t move. 🙏🏼 Michael Kiwanuka is a huge part of my healing ✊🏼 props to all his band mates .. Incredible talent
I'm so sorry for your loss.
@@jhonrydc110 glad I saw this.. ✊🏼 thank you
❤️
Steve, that is terrible, I am so sorry. Nothing worse. Warm wishes blowing to you. Peace.
❣️
So this is what the Real npr tiny desk should always be
In my mind, this poem "from Milk and Honey" by Rupi Kaur, reflects well the overall message Michael conveys to us: what is stronger than the human heart which shatters over and over and still lives
Cold Little Heart may be my favorite song ever. Such a great artist!
Check out love and hate. Cold little heart and love and hate are my favs.
This man is slept on so crazy. How many folks sound like this with No production?!
How is he slept on, he's won a lot of awards, had a number 1 album, and has multiple live performances with tens of millions of views
@Liimbo Not many people in America know about him at all
The most highly anticipated Tiny Desk session?
Yes.
yes!
いつもと場所違う？ there is no bookshelves...
ever.
Is there a list somewhere? My most anticipated would be graham coxon doing his acoustic stuff, but I doubt that would happen :(
This is the best thing that happened in a long while
Apart from a mate giving you the KIWANUKA album maybe
Sir this is FACKS
Started to listen to this while working. Got a minute in and had to stop. What was I thinking? Can’t possibly without my full undivided attention, a fine bourbon in my hand, & the best headphones I own. This level of talent deserves nothing less.
This is the definition of auditory encapsulated beauty. My Dad would have loved this. RIP Pops, never a day goes by I don’t gleam wisdom from your words and also from your musical tastes.
same here brother your not alone
Never heard of him, but im so glad i clicked. His music is surreal. His voice, angelic.
You should really listen the studio version of the first song he's playing in this video So beautiful
@ Also found out about him when he released "Home again" as a single. Haven't really listened to that album since then, though; that's a weakness of mine - too much music to discover… Recently heard "Tell Me a Tale" from that album, though, which I really liked then and now. I think "Love & Hate" between the debut and the latest album is worth a mention. Especially like the live session of the title song!
Have you heard Cold Little Heart yet? You will love that one too!
Now there`s a true Musician. !! Wow !
Cold Little Heart is such a beautiful song! Especially this version.
Spoiler alert! jjaj todavia no llegue ahi, pero esperaba escuchar esta cancion! :)
I like the one he did live in studio, where he takes time to just play his guitar with the band backing. Setting the scene even before he sings one Lyric
I know in my heart, theres been a child an oracle, to wake the stars. Let them talk about you and I. I know in my heart there's a place better. Its within us all search for more. Whispers are my power we need to listen to ourselves. Search no more life brings you gifts to explore. I know in my heart there's more, I know my soul will never forget. I am there for I see, I see there for I know. Silence is a killer when you don't let your soul speak freely. Trust in your self, trust what you believe, believe what you know. I know love has a place for me. Ps this is me free. Thank you for your song
Top 10-20 Tiny desks of all time
sweet jesus yes. i’ve been praying for this my entire life and now it’s come. i am going to evaporate
Beautiful, beautiful music, thank you!
"Solid Ground" opens a gate way to another dimension.
Always super impressed. His latest album “Kiwanuka” is one of the best modern albums I’ve ever heard.
is he running his mic through a toy karaoke machine? legend
Noticed this too! Think this is what he's using to get the reverb on his voice 🙌👌
audibly gasped when i saw this in my subscription feed
After I listened to Love & Hate on Big Little Lies, I never looked back. I'm now a proper Kiwanuka stan.
Cold little heart is my favourite thanks man!
Thank U Tiny Desk for opening up and allowing me to explore my musical palette.
WELL DONE HOME BOY, MOTHERLAND LOVES YOU KIWANUKA. THANKS FOR MILEAGE. LET THEM KNOW TOO HOW YOUR MOTHER LAND IS TALENTED,YOUR AMONG GREAT TALENTS.
proof that the SM58 is a perfectly decent microphone as long as you have an insanely beautiful voice and killer songs.
God... this man have extremely unique and beautiful style of music.
One of the purest soul on earth.
im one of the people listening to him for the first time, and wow he is good. I dont even understand why someone would dislike this
Khanyiso welcome to the Kiwanukas.
I think that's people wanting to feel like they have some power of "yay or nay" over somebody who has some talent they don't have. Kinda like movie critics, who think their criticism gives them some kind of relevance or power. Nonetheless, great artist whom I never heard of, glad I clicked.....
Subjectively I don’t understand, but objectively I can see why people wouldn’t like his music - it does tend to be quite down tempo, bittersweet, broken heart type songs, that not everyone likes.
WE NEED A STEVE LACY TINY DESK CONCERT
I went to see his show at Bonnaroo a few years back, and was able to get front row. It was amazing and peaceful to watch him from up close. I met a man wearing a full three piece suit with a cloud/sky pattern with a matching cowboy hat. He was incredibly nice, he shared a joint with me and we talked about what drew us to his music. I never got his name but saw via reddit pages that he had been struck and killed in a car accident returning home from the festival. I like to think of him every time I listen to Michael's music....
oh god how so SAD! That just shows you how precious and fleeting life can be
As much as I love Michael’s studio works, arrangements, I think this is the way I wanna hear him. Clear & simple, excellent instrumentals, soulful voice coming through without a need to fill every empty space in the soundscape. Beautiful.
I feel like that's true for a lot of the tiny desks... .Anderson Paak, Joseph, ...
Is anyone gonna talk about that fisher price toy recorder? I had one! his music brings back so many childhood memories even though his music wasn’t there then.
dude me too! Imagine stumbling across all those recordings from 97.
A Toy Story classic
I still have my oldest nephew's fisher price "walkman". It still plays the (only have three left) cassete tapes and I love it!
Me: He won't play 'Light' , he won't be able to recreate that with just voice and guitar Michael Kiwanuka : Hold my drink
No Description needed...... Here is a Michael Kiwanuka playing music for the soul
MK has easily become one of my favorite artists! Brilliant
The best discovery I had this year - alongside Lianne La Havas. Just amazing.
Yeah me too lol
Feeling guilty that I didn't get into either of them sooner...
See Naima Joris too!!
@@etcapel gonna check out, thanks!
So this is what my mother meant when she said to me before she died, "Sometimes, you gotta stop and smell the roses....."
What a beautiful comment.
@@deluar.official Thanks.....
hate to break it to you but, everything your mom said to you was before she died
@@benborchers3828 not sure that that means....
❤️❤️❤️🌹
If music is the reflection of your soul, Michael is the connection of those parts making it into your mind and body ✨
I just can not understand how some people can dislike such a beautiful and so emotional songs. Michael, your music is a redemption to my soul.
I think that's people wanting to feel like they have some power of "yay or nay" over somebody who has some talent they don't have. Kinda like movie critics, who think their criticism gives them some kind of power. Nonetheless, great artist whom I never heard of, glad I clicked.....
They must be hating recordings of people sitting is dark rooms.
the emotions this guy brings with him when performing is insane
Michael, you are a hero. Magical.
Serious chill for 22 minutes. MK is something special that only comes along once in a generation.
it is mad that Michael Kiwanuka doesn't get enough recognition, all his albums so far have been incredible
Come on NPR!!! How can you broadcast so many freaking awesome talents with a tremendous sound all the time!? You guys are Wizards and we need more of this in this sad sad world. Beautiful listening, especially when Michael is on the piano. LOVE to you all brothers and sisters
His sounds is perfect match for a mix with Sade... I got goosebumps
he speaks like my mate but he sings like my universe
im writing this down
Awww
A close friend past away the other day. These first 2 songs crushed me. Thank you for your words sir!
Michael Kiwanuka's voice doesn't have to do anything but sing the song exactly how it is to be the best thing you've ever heard - those singers are the best kind🙌
this man is able to stop a whole war singing like this. there's so much heart in his music
"Hard to Say Goodbye" puts me in a place.
His music makes me happy and sad at the same time. It's magical
He's an amazing artist, not many musicians can be called that way lately. In his music there is heart, brain and deep roots. I've been waiting for his Tiny Desk Concert for a while, well done NPR.
He hit me like that after only strumming 3-4 notes, glad I clicked.....
Imagine you decide to sing one day and you sound something like that
I'm obsessed with his talent
Loved him ever since I heard “rest” in grace & frankie lol.
Nice to wake up to this
Kiwanuka is certainly the best artist of the decade. Fabulous performance
First time listening, reminds me of Tracey Chapman in a way. Nice and soothing real music, just lovely.
Finally!! I've loved him so long ever since I heard his "cold little heart!!"
omg yessss finally he is in Tiny Desk.
I have not heard of this gentleman. I don't know what made me hit this video, perhaps because I love Tiny Desk Concerts by NPR, but boy am I sure glad I clicked this link. His voice is so amazing, I'm wondering how I haven't heard of him yet?? How could anyone have disliked this video? Even if it isn't your go-to listening style, it's beautiful, well-written music.
Michael Kiwanuka's music is the medicine we all could use a little bit more of.
The first 5 seconds of his COLORS show got me hooked, excited to put this one on replay!
same with me....
Ooh, I've somehow missed that one. Thanks!
His vocal makes me calm just like a cup of water
THANK YOU MICHAEL BIG LOVE TO YOU
Michael K!!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 finally
I could listen to him strumming the guitar for HOURS... such a clean recording. And his voice is so soothing, the only thing missing are ocean waves crashing softly on the shore🤗
He's so freaking talented
I love being turned on to powerful new music. You only get to enjoy that feeling once. ❤️
This brotha is so underrated 🙌
one of the bests 'tiny desk concert' that i've heard. NPR Music never dissapoints, ever
One of the most emotional story telling voices. Tash sultan on tiny desk is also an interesting one.
Finally brilliant soulful Kiwanuka in the NPR house👏 👏👏 His live sessions are unmissable.. takes you on a spiritual journey. Outstanding lyrics like.. "U can't steal the things that God has given me.. no more pain, no more shame & misery.. u can't take me down" and smooth voice. All his songs are masterpieces but i have more love for Light, Home Again, Cold Little Heart and Tell Me A Tale.
I really like Michael K a lot. This set reminds me of Neil Young back in the day. Michael doesn't sound like him at all, but there is something about the gravitas of his songs that tickles my memory and reaches my soul. Excellent!
Stripped down music at its very best. A little light in these very dark times. Thank you Michael
Hard to say goodbye is one of those rare songs that literally makes me go weak at the knees.
Music of and for the soul! Brilliant
I think he is one of the most talented musicians today. He touches my heart.
What a wonderful way to spend 22 mins. of our lives ...
you know who we need on tiny desk ? D'Angelo
Michael's music is so beautiful that each song almost brings me to tears
Ah, he´s home again
when i listen to michael, i feel pain and joy and holiness and safety and fragility and strength - all at the same time, and it always overwhelms me. It's like he's enabling me to get in touch with my own self and to allow myself all the emotions i often don't acknowledge enough.
Thumbs up straight from the pearl of Africa 🇺🇬
Food for your soul
This version of Solid Ground is one of the most intimate songs I’ve ever listened to
U are so so so right
men i have always loved the sound of Michael Kiwanuka.
I got my headphones, turned the lights low and closed my eyes. Sublime therapy, good for all my senses. Thank you Kiwanuka, you never disappoint.
The best artist on the music scene at the moment and for a while. Totally deserved Mercury music award and every song is a gem.
Hauntingly beautiful, instantly...
One day I will see him live
Beautiful, not just his voice, but the dreamy chilled vibe he exudes, makes me feel so at peace And he's a Brit! Fabulous