MICHAEL KIWANUKA // USHER HALL, EDINBURGH
MICHAEL KIWANUKA PERFORMING AT EDINBURGH’S USHER HALL
★★★★★ (5/5)
There's something about the Usher Hall that brings out a great performance from those who grace its stage. Its grand architecture and perfect acoustics have hosted legends across decades, and on this cold Edinburgh night, Michael Kiwanuka proved he belongs among them.
The Mercury Prize-winning soul virtuoso commanded the venue with a quiet confidence that belied the emotional depth of his performance. Opening with the slow-burning The Rest of Me, Kiwanuka immediately established the evening's tone – cool, intimate and yet ultimately uplifting, technically flawless but never clinical.
His band deserves equal praise – a tight, talented ensemble that expanded and contracted around Kiwanuka's vocals with intuitive precision. The rhythm section provided a rock-solid foundation while subtle psychedelic touches from the keys and guitar work created the sonic landscape that has become his signature. The backing vocals are central to his sound and the three singers were pitch perfect.
Follow Your Dreams from his soul filled album Small Changes was an early highlight, its extended intro washing over the crowd before the remarkable warmth of Kiwanuka's voice finally emerged. The audience, previously reverential in their silence, erupted into applause. This pattern continued throughout the night; moments of hushed attention from the swaying crowd followed by enthusiastic appreciation.
The setlist was a rich mix of tracks from across his three albums. Material from his self-titled third album Kiwanuka, such as Hero and Rolling showcased his ability to blend 60s soul influences with contemporary production values. Older cuts like folky Home Again reminded us of the songwriting prowess that first brought him to prominence. Before performing this track he shared with the crowd that it was 13 years to the day since Home Again was released.
Black Man In A White World, brought an emotional response, its message of identity and belonging resonating strongly with the crowd. Hands clapped in unison as Kiwanuka's repeated refrain grew in intensity.
The Usher Hall's stage was set out with rugs and standard lights creating a homely vibe and the acoustics perfectly complemented Kiwanuka's sound. Each guitar string resonated with crystal clarity while the low end remained rich and full without overwhelming. His vocals, sometimes whispered and sometimes soaring, reached across the venue without losing their intimacy.
Between songs, Kiwanuka was economical with words, letting his music speak instead. When he did address the crowd, it was with genuine gratitude and humility. "Edinburgh, I love playing here," he remarked before launching into the picked acoustic guitar of One and Only, which evolved from its recorded version into something more expansive.
The band left the stage after Stand by my Side to roars of delight. They were back within minutes with the psychedelic Lowdown and the title track Small Changes.
As the night drew to a close with a final encore featuring show stoppers, Cold Little Heart and Love and Hate, the entire crowd rose to their feet roaring their delight.
When the audience filtered out into the Edinburgh night, conversations buzzed with appreciation. Kiwanuka had given them exactly what they came for – not just a concert, but he had shared something authentic – songs crafted with care, performed with passion, and delivered without pretence. His Edinburgh performance wasn't about spectacle or showmanship, but about creating a space where music was experienced in its purest form.