The Unapologetic Hitmaker

R&B maestro and fearless artistic experimentalist Miguel lands on local soil this December to perform at Afropunk SA.

- SHANNON MANUEL

HAVING ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS ONE OF R&B’S MOST SONIC FABULISTS OVER THE LAST DECADE, consummate artist Miguel has never been afraid to follow his impulses – wherever they lead him.

Throughout his musical career, the self-described ‘dynamic, psychological thriller with sexual overtones’, has proven himself a master of reinvention. Of his musical evolution, from his first album to his latest, he says ‘Even in “All I Want Is You”, my approach has always been to offer listeners alternative sounds and themes. I want to use my music to increase their appreciation of different types of musical styles and genres.’

He achieved this when he received global recognition for his self-produced single “Adorn” in 2012. With its subdued groove and emotive lyrics, the song signalled a big change for the genre, paving the way for an edgier brand of R&B. Miguel’s style championed genre-bending productions while maintaining soulful melodies, inspiring other artists to expand their music beyond the conventional boundaries of R&B.