Where the Bands Are (Michael Kiwanuka 1 March 2025, Brussels)

This weekend, Oliver and I were back in Brussels at the beautiful venue Forest National, this time to see Michael Kiwanuka. He’s a British singer-songwriter that Oliver first recommended to me back in 2022 when he played at the Way Out West Festival in Gothenburg. His music is often described as ”a blend of folk, soul, and psychedelic guitar virtuosity”, a mix that makes him truly unique.

Sightseeing

During our stroll through Brussels before the show, I suggested that we should do a ”Peeing Statue Tour” and Oliver reluctantly agreed. We started by revisiting Manneken Pis, even though we had already seen him the last time we were in Brussels. Maneken Pis is a tiny bronze statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain. He has been a symbol of Brussels since the 17th century and is known for being dressed in different costumes throughout the year. This time, he was dressed in a colorful carnival outfit. Just a short walk away, we found Jeanneke Pis, his female counterpart, also dressed up for the festivities. The narrow alley where she’s located made her feel like a hidden gem. Our final stop was Zinneke Pis, the peeing dog statue. While it was fun to see, it didn’t quite match the playful, historic style of the other two, making it a bit less exciting. Still, it was a quirky addition to our tour, which then ended. The weather wasn’t really cooperating and even though we had had a short stop for warm coffee and a pastry, at the fabulous Aux Merveilleux de Fred, we felt a bit cold and decided to go back to the hotel.

The concert

As we entered the GA section, we found a spot on the right-hand side, where we could stand with our backs against the wall. It is always nice to have something to lean on and rest against during a show. Right next to us, and at several spots around the arena, was a small ”collection station” where people could place their empty beer cups for reuse as part of the venue’s commitment to reduce waste.

Forest National’s focus on sustainability, from waste reduction to greener transport solutions, is called Be•at and is an effort to make live entertainment more eco-conscious for future generations- an initiative I applaud. Another part of this initiative was the offer, that came with the ticket, to use a special event pass code to access public transport for free, making it easier for us and all the other concertgoers to travel in an environmentally friendly way.

As the opening act (J Appiah) had finished their show, the venue slowly filled up. Although most people seemed to be in their 30s, the crowd was really a mix of ages. We spotted both people our own age and much younger.

The Rest of Me was a beautiful opener that set the tone for the night. Its soft melody warmed both hearts and spirits. Follow Your Dreams followed, leading into the upbeat You Ain’t the Problem.

Kiwanuka didn’t say much between songs, but it didn’t matter, his voice did all the talking. With Forest National’s incredible sound system, his voice was the most striking instrument on stage. Whether he sang softly or with full force, it was something special. The string section added warmth, while his fantastic guitarist brought an extra edge to the performance.

Although Kiwanuka is only 37 years old, he looked and sounded much older. Dressed in an old man’s cardigan, a hat and round glasses (with strings attached to them), he had the vibe of someone well beyond his years. And then there’s his voice, often compared to legends like Otis Redding and Bill Withers. His voice is rich and soulful and it is easy to forget you’re listening to a modern artist and not some of the old soul legends.

I must admit I wasn’t a fan of the segments where videos were shown on the backdrop. I assume they were meant to emphasis the lyrics, but for me, they were more of a distraction. Instead of focusing on the words, as I usually do, I found my attention drawn to the moving images. And that was a shame, because Kiwanuka’s lyrics deserve to be heard.

In fact, Kiwanuka’s music is known for its deeply introspective lyrics. The lyrics are also socially conscious, giving his music both emotional depth and present-day relevance. The song Black Man in a White Man’s World, for example, is a stark reflection on race and identity. Its lyrics stress feelings of isolation. They also express resilience.

In total, we got 19 songs. The highlights for me were Home Again, Cold Little Heart, and Love & Hate, songs I was already familiar with. Hero was beautifully laid-back, and Solid Ground had a special moment when Kiwanuka stepped behind the keyboards, illuminated by the stage lights.

About an hour in, towards the end of the main set, there was a stretch of songs that didn’t really speak to me. I found myself getting a bit restless and even checked my watch to see how much time was left. Not long after that, Kiwanuka and the band left the stage. As expected, they returned a few minutes later for the encore.

It took less than a second for the audience to recognise the warbling guitar and choral “ooooooh” of Cold Little Heart. Kiwanuka saved his most famous song (the theme from the Netflix series Big Little Lies) for the encore, and the anticipation paid off. It’s undoubtedly his most praised and beloved track, and judging by the audience’s reaction, also the one they, like me, had been waiting for the most. The performance was followed by thunderous applause.

After Cold Little Heart Kiwanuka and the band left the stage again, but returned (also again) for one final song. The song Love & Hate began with a simple melody that many in the crowd hummed or sang along to. Slowly, the song built to a majestic crescendo on the powerful line, “Love and hate, how much more are we supposed to tolerate?” before it started to wind down. One by one, the band members fell silent, leaving only Kiwanuka and his guitar. He strummed and sang, his voice grew softer and softer, until at last, he stopped—and the show was over.