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Soulful singer song-writer Michael Kiwanuka has topped the BBC sound of 2012.
Beating the likes of Frank Ocean, Azealia Banks, Skrillex and Niki & The Dove, 2012 is set to be Michael’s year.
Citing Bill Withers and Bob Dylan as influences, Michael hails from Muswell Hill.
The 24-year-old studied Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music and then popular music at Westminster University.
He has worked as a session guitarist for Tinie Tempah’s producer Labrinth and has also toured with Adele.
Last year, songstress Jessie J topped the poll, followed by James Blake, The Vaccines, Jamie Woon and Claire Maguire.
If their success is anything to go by, Michael’s got a lot to look forward to.
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.”