British Singer Michael Kiwanuka Emerges BBC 'Sound Of 2012'

By Joseph Akahome

British Soul singer Michael Kiwanuka has emerged winner of the 2012 edition of ‘Sound of…’, an annual BBC poll of music critics and industry figures to find the most promising new music talent.
Kiwanuka came ahead of US R&B singer Frank Ocean, who has worked with big shots like Kanye West and Jay Z. Ocean occupied the second position.
The 23-year-old, who couldn’t hide his excitement at the news, reportedly told the press that he ‘never expected to be recognised in this way.’
‘It’s a great surprise and it means a lot that people are accepting the music they’ve heard so far, and it will bring the music to many more people, which for any musician is a great privilege‘, Kiwanuka happily expressed.
New York rapper Azealia Banks came in third place, followed by high-octane dance DJ and producer Skrillex at fourth.
Kiwanuka, who hails from London but with a Ugandan background started out as a session guitarist, working with rapper Tinie Tempah‘s producer Labrinth, before pursuing an active solo singing career and signing to Communion label, set up by Mumford and Sons’ Ben Lovett.
The list was compiled using tips from 184 influential UK based music critics, ranging from music magazine editors and newspaper critics to bloggers, DJs and radio and TV producers, who each named their favourite three new acts.
The other previous winners are: Jessie J, (Sound of 2011), Ellie Goulding (Sound of 2010), Little Boots (Sound of 2009), Adele (Sound of 2008), Mika (Sound of 2007), Corinne Bailey Rae (Sound of 2006), The Bravery (Sound of 2005), Keane (Sound of 2004) and 50 Cent (Sound of 2003).