Perhaps you heard? This is the winner of the BBC Sound Of 2012 poll, but unlike previous winners, such as Jessie J, or Ellie Goulding, here the UK has itself a genuinely pleasant talent. Perhaps you caught him (out-)performing on Later With Jools Holland, or maybe you’ve seen his soulful grooves supporting the likes of Laura Marling and Adele on recent tours. One thing is sure, with influences such as Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Bill Withers, we’re witnessing an old soul in a young body.

Second Opinion by Amy Jo McLellan
Last year, the BBC crowned Jessie J as their Sound of 2011. In January, they named Michael Kiwanuka as their tip for 2012. By the Summer, this soul artist will be playing some of this city’s biggest venues – just like how Jessie J went from the Coalition to the Brighton Centre in less than 12 months. Catch this guy while you can, because he’s already being dubbed ‘the male Adele’ – and his debut album is still a month away.

Second Opinion by Steve Clements
Current flavour-of-the-month and voted BBC Sound of 2012 by industry big wigs, Kiwanuka returns to town after unsurprisingly selling out The Hope last year. His profile has been in the ascendant for a while with his 70s-flavoured ballads, recorded on analogue equipment for authenticity, being praised by all and sundry. The show has already sold out so if you were an early bird then this will be your last chance before he headlines The Dome or somewhere even bigger.

Komedia Weds 15th Feb 2012