Will Michael be the next big thing? (From Daily Echo)

Will Michael be the next big thing?

5:45pm Friday 13th January 2012

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MICHAEL Kiwanuka will be the name on all of our lips by the end of 2012. Or so we are told.

Those in the know in the music industry have voted the Londoner the top one to watch in the BBC’s influential Sound of 2012 poll.

I have to admit, despite being a big fan, I’m not so sure.

The 23-year-old soul singer-songwriter of Ugandan heritage has also been given the thumbs up by Adele and Mumford and Sons no less.

He’s undoubtedly talented with a stunning rich voice, laidback grooves and some arrangements that lend themselves more to the sounds of a classic retro soul man than 21st Century troubled youth.

Think Otis Redding not Professor Green.

A listen to Michael Kiwanuka makes you feel all warm and fuzzy rather than ready to riot.

Challenging, non conformist, working class music it is not. Chilled out, gentle, background music for dinner parties it is.

So what I can deduct from his being named top of the pops is that, despite everything we’re told about the economy, unemployment, troubles, battles and conflicts, 2012 is going to be a more positive, happy and cuddly year all round.

It must be true. The Sound of 2012 said so.

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