Michael Kiwanuka tops BBC Sound of 2012

North London soul singer Michael Kiwanuka has been named the winner of the BBC Sound of 2012 list of most promising musical stars for the year ahead.

Kiwanuka is the tenth winner of the annual list, compiled by BBC News with votes from over 180 taste-makers who named their favourite new acts. 

Michael’s sound has been described as powerful, acoustic soul, drawing influences from greats such as Bill Withers and John Martyn. Following his introduction to the music scene in 2011 with two well-received EPs, a support slot on tour with Adele and a memorable appearance on Later… with Jools Holland, he released his new single ‘Home Again’ on 1 January.

Michael said: “It's very encouraging for some of my music to be noticed and considered as something worth listening to.

“I think it's every musician's dream to have any sort of recognition for their art, something that is so personal. This is something that I don't take for granted.

“I hope I can fulfil some of people's expectations, but most importantly I hope people that enjoy my music feel like they can get something worthwhile from listening to it.”

David Smyth, Chief Rock and Pop critic, London Evening Standard, said: “I picked Michael because his music really grabbed me when I first heard him last summer. Paul Butler of The Bees produced his song Tell Me a Tale, giving it a vintage psychedelic soul feel. It was an unusual backdrop for such a rich, warm voice.”

A longlist of the top 15 artists for the BBC Sound of 2012 was published in December and the top five have been revealed live on-air each day this week, by BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe. 

US singer-songwriter and hip-hop artist Frank Ocean is at No.2 followed by Harlem-based rapper Azealia Banks at No.3. Dubstep producer Skrillex took the No.4 spot with Swedish dance duo Niki & The Dove at No.5. 

Zane said: “Here are five exciting new artists that are poised to take popular music into new territories. Each one as unique and exciting as the other.”

The BBC Sound of… series has brought the British public’s attention to a number of huge stars over the past 10 years. Last year, Jessie J topped the list. Previous winners include Ellie Goulding, Adele and 50 Cent, back in 2003.

Press the red button to watch exclusive interviews and live performances from the Top 5 artists or visit the BBC Sound of 2012 website 

Twitter users can tweet about the announcement using the hashtag #so2012

Notes to Editors

Any use of information in this release must credit BBC’s Sound of 2012

The BBC’s Sound of…  list is now in its tenth year.

The full top five:

1. Michael Kiwanuka
2. Frank Ocean
3. Azealia Banks
4. Skrillex
5. Niki & The Dove

Also on the longlist (unranked)

A$AP Rocky
Dot Rotten
Dry The River
Flux Pavilion
Friends
Jamie N Commons
Lianne La Havas
Ren Harvieu
Spector
Stooshe

Last year, Jessie J was joined in the Sound of 2011 top five by James Blake, The Vaccines, Jamie Woon and Clare Maguire.

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(Source : BBC’s Sound of 2012)