MNEK
MNEK | |
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R&B | |
Occupation(s) |
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Years active | 2011–present |
Labels |
Uzoechi Osisioma "Uzo" Emenike (born 9 November 1994), professionally known by his
Career
2011–2013: Breakthrough
His stage name is a gramogram of his surname, Emenike.
In an interview with Build LDN, MNEK talked about his introduction into the music industry and how, at first, he did not even know what a publisher was. He stated, "I started writing poems and writing songs around the age of 8 or 7 and I started playing around with production software from really young as well. I then put some stuff up on
In 2011, when he was 16, he began writing and working with production group
In 2012, he worked with singer and songwriter
In 2013, MNEK contributed to the song "Need U (100%)", featuring A*M*E, and became his biggest contribution since working with The Saturdays. He was also labelled one of 15 artists to make BBC's Sound of 2014 long list.[6]
2014–2015: Small Talk
In January 2014, he featured on
In July 2015, MNEK released "
2016–present: Songwriting breakthrough and Language
After the success of his Zara Larsson collaboration, he began working with other artists as a songwriter, beginning with his contribution to Beyoncé's 2016 song "Hold Up". He also went on to form songwriting partnerships with artists including Becky Hill, Leo Kalyan, Shift K3Y, Ryan Ashley, Jax Jones, and Brayton Bowman.
In 2016, he released his first solo single since his debut extended play, entitled "At Night (I Think About You)". Shortly after, he also released a cover of the renowned Queen single "Don't Stop Me Now". "At Night (I Think About You)" peaked at number 87 on the UK Singles Chart. After releasing the song, he stated that he was recording and producing his debut album.
In 2017, he released another single, entitled "Paradise", which samples Ultra Naté's 1997 hit "Free", as well as the collaborative single "Deeper" with Riton and the House Gospel Choir.
In February 2018, he teased the single "Tongue", which was revealed to be the lead single from his debut album, Language. He stated in an interview with Annie Mac[when?] that his album was finished and that he was mixing the album with mixing engineer Phil Tan. It was released on 7 September 2018.[11][12][13]
In July 2019, MNEK hosted a songwriting camp for LGBT singer-songwriters in association with Pride In Music.[14] The aim of the camp was to help emerging LGBT talent find a safe space to work in, as MNEK himself has experienced judgment from within the industry due to his sexual orientation. Participants in the event included L Devine, Olly Alexander, and Rina Sawayama.[15]
In 2020, MNEK collaborated with
In 2021, MNEK appeared as a guest vocal coach on the
In June 2021, it was announced that MNEK would be appearing alongside
MNEK has produced multiple songs for FLO, including but not limited to "Cardboard Box", "Immature", "Summertime" and "Feature Me".
On February 2, 2024, MNEK announced his new-found label called MuzoByUzo - with its first artist being Tyler Lewis.[27] Its second artist rumored to be Roch.
Personal life
Emenike came out as gay when he was 19.[28] Emenike has established a songwriting camp for LGBTQ+ singer-songwriters in association with Pride in Music, which collaborates with other influential artists like Rina Sawayama.[28] He wants to reach out to young adults figuring out their sexuality.[29]
Discography
- Language (2018)
Awards and nominations
Notes
References
- ^ Magliola, Anna Sky (2 January 2023). "MNEK: Everything you need to know about the talented singer-songwriter 🎶". Planet Radio. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
- ^ "Grammy Nominated UK Producer & Songwriter MNEK Releases Debut EP 'Small Talk' Today". Top40-Charts.com.
- ^ "Jess Glynne and MNEK to receive ASCAP Vanguard Award". Musi Week.
- ^ ""I Had No Idea What a Publisher Was" – MNEK On His Young Start In the Industry". YouTube. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ "If Truth Be Told". YouTube. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
- ^ "BBC Music – BBC Sound Of, 2014 – MNEK". BBC.
- ^ "Yinka & Friends: MNEK". Rinse FM on YouTube. 10 June 2014.
- ^ "MNEK – Timeline photos". Facebook. 22 July 2014.
- ^ a b "MNEK & ZARA LARSSON – full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Zara Larsson – Chart history – Billboard". Billboasrd.com.
- ^ "MNEK Releases Sexy Single 'Tongue' From His Upcoming Debut Album". Billboard.com. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
- ^ "Play MNEK's "Tongue" and tell someone special that you love them". Thefader.com. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
- ^ "MNEK's honest album". Femalefirst.co.uk. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
- ^ "Pride in Music ~ Supporting LGBTQ+ in British Music". Pride in Music. 27 June 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
- ^ "MNEK: Someone told me my video made them uncomfortable". BBC News. 6 July 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
- ^ "Mnek Joins Upcoming 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' as Guest Vocal Coach". Billboard. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
- nme. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
- ^ "Sugababes Announce 'One Touch' 20th Anniversary Edition / Premiere MNEK 'Run For Cover' Remix". thatgrapejuice. 11 May 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
- ^ "Sugababes – Run for Cover MNEK Remix". iTunes. 11 May 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
- ^ West, Amy (17 June 2021). "Celebrity Gogglebox confirms It's a Sin's Olly Alexander and MNEK". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
- ^ "FLO: Meet the girl band behind Immature who count SZA, Little Mix and MNEK among their fans". Official Charts.
- ^ Sky Magliola, Anna (4 February 2022). "Jax Jones and MNEK drop new catchy collab 'Where Did You Go'". Hits Radio. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
- ^ Tam, Michael (17 November 2022). "Galantis, David Guetta & MNEK - Damn (You've Got Me Saying)". EDMTunes. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
- ^ "Sigala teams up with MNEK on new single 'Radio'". RetroPop. 9 January 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
- ^ "MNEK on "big dance bop" 16 Again and hopes to work with Sam Smith". GAY TIMES. 30 March 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
- ^ "Aluna Shares New Song "Oh The Glamour" Featuring Pabllo Vittar, MNEK, & Eden Prince". Stereogum. 7 June 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
- ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Celebrating Black Pride: the inspiring story of UK musician, singer, songwriter and producer MNEK". www.withersworldwide.com. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
- ^ "MNEK: I want to say it's OK to be black and gay". BBC News. Retrieved 21 July 2022.