BBC Sound of 2012 Michael Kiwanuka plays Dublin this February

Young soul singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka was just named the winner of the BBC Sound of 2012 poll. He performs live at The Sugar Club in Dublin on February 11th.

The London native’s beautiful bluesy voice attracted much attention in 2011. He is only 24-years-old, but Kiwanuka sounds like a classic soul man straight out of 60s/70s America. He has even been compared to soul legends Bill Withers and Otis Redding. His haunting, understated songs - which often express love, yearning, comfort and beloning - were written over the last couple of years, yet they seem more like long-lost soul classics.

Kiwanuka started out as a session guitarist, writing the odd song for other musicians. But it wasn’t long before his talent started to turn heads. Kiwanuka grabbed the attention of Paul Butler from The Bees, who invited him to the band’s Isle of Wight studio to record the tracks that would become his debut EP, Tell Me a Tale. Released in June 2011, the EP was met with critical acclaim.

Initially attracting a following on MySpace and at small London gigs, Kiwanuka went on to support Adele on her 2011 tour. He has two EPs under his belt, and his first studio album, Home Again, is due for release in March 2012.

Michael Kiwanuka performs with special guests The Staves at The Sugar Club in Dublin on Saturday February 11th. Tickets are on sale now for €14.50 each. To book, visit www.ticketmaster.ie .