WORDS AND IMAGES PHIL THORNS
On Thursday 13th March 2025, the historic O₂ Apollo Manchester set the stage for an evening of soul-stirring music, featuring headliner Michael Kiwanuka and his support act, J Appiah, as part of his UK and European ‘Small Changes’ tour. The venue, renowned for its rich history and architectural elegance, provided the perfect backdrop for these two exceptional artists.
Michael Kiwanuka is a British singer-songwriter and producer known for blending soul into indie and folk rock, with numerous influences ranging from Marvin Gaye to Wham! Born in London on May 3, 1987, to Ugandan immigrant parents, he grew up in Muswell Hill. He started playing guitar in rock bands as a teenager before discovering 1960s soul. Kiwanuka studied jazz at the University of Westminster and worked as a session musician before launching his solo career. He won the UK Mercury Prize in 2020 and appeared on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury last year.
Built in 1938, the O₂ Apollo was designed as an Art Deco-style cinema and variety theatre and has since evolved into one of Manchester’s premier concert venues, boasting a capacity of 3,500. Over the decades, it has hosted an array of legendary performers, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie—Oh, to be a time traveller!
Opening the evening, J Appiah, whose music blends soul, folk, and R&B, perfectly complemented what was to come. His stripped-back, intimate style offered a grounded contrast that prepared the crowd for Kiwanuka’s more expansive sound. His voice, rich and emotive, resonated deeply, drawing listeners into the narratives woven through his songs. Performing tracks like ‘Breathe’ and ‘I Ain’t Rich Yet’, Appiah showcased his ability to blend contemporary R&B with classic soul influences, setting a reflective and intimate tone for the night. Looking at the appreciative faces around me, it was clear he had gained new fans—certainly one to keep an eye on in the future.
Next up, Michael Kiwanuka and his musical entourage took the stage to a roar of approval. The set design for Kiwanuka’s “Small Changes” tour was complex but effective. A unique aspect of the setup was the use of table lamps scattered across the stage, almost making it feel like a series of interconnecting rooms, each section housing different parts of the band. This created a warm and intimate atmosphere, which worked a treat.
Kiwanuka’s setlist was a carefully curated journey through his critically acclaimed discography. He opened with ‘Rest of Me’, a track from his fourth album Small Changes, with a laid-back vibe reflecting a Bill Withers influence. The song immediately drew the audience in with its warm, meditative tone. The 22-song setlist took the crowd through his most celebrated tracks, including ‘Cold Little Heart’, a real crowd-pleaser and a song many recognize from the HBO series Big Little Lies, which added an extra layer of emotional weight to the performance. ‘You Ain’t the Problem’ brought a surge of energy, its infectious rhythm and bold delivery igniting the crowd. ‘Black Man in a White World’, a personal favourite, stood out as a powerful and moving moment, made even more striking by the engaging visuals that accompanied it. “Hero” provided another highlight, its raw, bluesy sound reinforcing Kiwanuka’s gift for storytelling. ‘Home Again’ was a tender and nostalgic moment in the set, reminding fans of his early work and the soulfulness that has defined his career. After a second encore, he closed the night with ‘Love & Hate’, the title track of his second album, its soaring instrumentation and lyrics serving as a final, cathartic release for both performer and audience.
As the final notes faded and the house lights began to rise, the audience slowly made their way out into the cold night air. Both artists had delivered performances rich with soul, their chocolatey vocals weaving through the venue like a comforting embrace, leaving the crowd with a warm and fulfilling glow. Brilliant—I loved every moment.
SET LIST
1/ The Rest of Me
2/ One More Night
3/ You Ain’t the Problem
4/ Father’s ChildPlay Video
5/ Follow Your Dreams
6/ Black Man in a White World
7/ Rule the World
8/ Hero (intro)
9/ Hero
10/ Floating Parade
11/ Light
12/ Home Again
13/ Solid Ground
14/ Rebel Soul
15/One and Only
17/ Stay By My Side
ENCORE 1
18/ Lowdown (part i)
19/ Lowdown (part ii)
20/ Small Changes
21/ Four Long Years
ENCORE 2
22/ Cold Little Heart
23/ Love & Hate
FOLLOW MICHAEL KIWANUKA
FOLLOW J APPIAH
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
