Video
Damola Durosomo
Mar. 29, 2016 08:20PM EST

Michael Kiwanuka's New Video Shows What It's Like To Be A 'Black Man In A White World'

Michael Kiwanuka shares the Hiro Murai-directed video for "Black Man In A White World," the first single from his upcoming LP 'Love & Hate.'

It's been four years since Michael Kiwanuka dropped his acclaimed debut album Home Again. Now, the British-Ugandan singer and songwriter is preparing to release his long-awaited sophomore album Love & Hate, a record that “struts to a much more psychedelic, free form beat," the artist mentions.

The album's first single “Black Man In A White World" brims with palpable emotion and soul. In the spirit of early 20th century blues, Kiwanuka poetically describes the ills of living in a white-dominated society. “I'm in love, but I'm still sad. I've found peace, but I'm not glad" he sings as the song's rhythmic beat—infused with subtle violin chords and timely hand claps—plays in the background.

LISTEN: Michael Kiwanuka Drops Highly-Anticipated New Album 'KIWANUKA'

The music video, shot by Japanese director Hiro Murai, shows a young man dancing in the middle of an LA street where he experiences a police hit and run. Seemingly unaffected by what he's just seen, the boy continues to jam out until he steadily ascends towards the sky.

Watch “Black Man In a White World" below. Michael Kiwanuka's Love & Hate drops on May 27. Pre-order it here, the first 500 vinyl pre-orders will be signed by Michael Kiwanuka.

Michael Kiwanuka
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'KIWANUKA' Album Cover

Michael Kiwanuka Drops Highly-Anticipated New Album 'KIWANUKA'

The artist reclaims his heritage and self-identity on a nostalgic new album.

British-Ugandan soul singer Michael Kiwanuka has released his highly-anticipated third studio album KIWANUKA, the follow up to his critically-acclaimed sophomore album Love & Hate.

The 14-track album features the previously released singles "You Ain't the Problem" and "Hero," and was largely produced by Dead Mouse and Inflo. The artist named the album KIWANUKA in a bold attempt to reclaim his heritage no matter how foreign it might seem to others. "I won't change my name, no matter what they call me," he sings on "Hero."

Speaking on the album's title, he told New Statesman: I thought, what better way to say that you're comfortable with who you are than by using just your name? KIWANUKA goes against fame, it goes against success. It's not in the pocket, it's not a smooth rock'n'roll name that's up in lights. It can be clumsy, if you haven't seen it before."

The deeply funk, soul and psychedelic rock-inspired album, sees the artist tapping into both the personal and political as he deals openly with self-doubt and what it means to overcome it, and addresses present-day social ills like police brutality and immigration.

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Still from YouTube.

Watch Michael Kiwanuka's Soul-Stirring Performance of 'Solid Ground' on A COLORS SHOW

The artist graces Colors Studios ahead of the release of his forthcoming album 'KIWANUKA.'

Award-winning soul singer Michael Kiwanuka is the latest artist to grace the popular YouTube-based 'A COLORS SHOW.'

Sitting before a retro keyboard, the British-Ugandan singer delivers a melancholic and rich rendition of "Solid Ground" a song from his forthcoming album KIWANUKA.

The stripped-down setting of the Colors studio offers a fitting backdrop for the no-frills performance, allowing for the singer's booming vocals to take center stage.

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Listen to Davido's New Album 'A Good Time'

The 17-track album features Naira Marley, Zlatan, Popcaan, Summer Walker and more.

Davido's much anticipated sophomore album A Good Time has finally dropped. Trust us when we say that it's aptly named. Seven years after his debut album Genesis and a string of incredibly successful singles and collaborations with the likes of Demola, Big Narstie and Jeremih, the Nigerian superstar is in top-form on this new 17-track project. Naira Marley, Zlatan, Popcaan, Yonda, Summer Walker, Wurld, Dremo and several other talented artists are featured on the album.

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Photo by Alet Pretorius/Gallo Images via Getty Images

The Ndlovu Youth Choir Wins the Hollywood Music in Media Award

South Africa's favorite choir continues on its winning streak.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir continues to fly the South African flag high. Recently, the choir was awarded the Hollywood Music in Media Award in the category of "Best Independent Music Video" alongside Grammy award-winning South African flautist, Wouter Kellerman, for their Zulu rendition of Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You".

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