Singer/songwriter Michael Kiwanuka pays homage to blackness and black excellence on the heartfelt song “To Be Young Gifted & Black.” The soulful record is ripe with moody keys, soft percussions while Kiwanuka delivers an impassioned performance that will surely raise the spirits. Kiwanuka’s rendition sure taps into the energy of the original with a slightly modern twist and the result is quite powerful.
“To Be Young Gifted & Black” is taken from the Small Axe’s Official Sound Track, which can be streamed HERE. The soundtrack is curated by acclaimed director Steve McQueen. The Small Axe Official Soundtrack features exclusive focus tracks, including a rendition of “To Be Young, Gifted And Black” by Michael Kiwanuka and previously released rework of Janet Kay’s classic “Silly Games” by R&B songstress and Motown US artist, Tiana Major9.
Steve McQueen: “Music is an integral part of Small Axe, especially Lovers Rock. Selecting the songs was definitely one of the most fun parts of making the anthology series, so I’m really excited about the soundtrack release, especially the legendary tracks “Silly Games” and “To Be Young, Gifted And Black” performed by the brilliant Tiana Major9 and Michael Kiwanuka.”