Michael Kiwanuka

Mercury Prize winner (2020) for his album "Kiwanuka", British soul musician Michael Kiwanuka has been compared to Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers and Curtis Mayfield.

Since winning the BBC's Sound of 2012 poll, he has been nominated for the Mercury Prize (2016), MOBO Best Album for 'Love & Hate' and Best R&B/Soul Act (2016), BRIT Awards British Male Solo Artist and Best Album for 'Love & Hate' (2017), BRIT Awards British Male Solo Artist and Best Album for 'Kiwanuka' (2020).

"For me music education has so many positives. So many skills can be enhanced other than just learning how to play an instrument. Through music education I learned how to relate to other people and peers my age. I gained an outlet to express myself whilst also engaging my brain in something stimulating. I found friends and a route to become part of a community, which in turn gave me a feeling of being part of something bigger. Last but not least, music is a really fun activity! Whether someone intends to make music a profession or a hobby, I believe the benefits are endless. As a result, this makes me very excited and honoured to be supporting YMM." (Jan 2017).