MNEK Announces New Album, Talks Trans Mission Show & Future Plans
MNEK reveals plans for a new album, his first in eight years, and reflects on the importance of the Trans Mission show at Wembley.
MNEK has revealed plans to release his first album in eight years, signaling the start of much more new material.
The singer, songwriter, and producer spoke with NME at the Trans Mission show at OVO Arena Wembley on Wednesday, March 11, an event that drew nearly 10,000 fans in support of trans rights.
The gig, organized by Olly Alexander and Mighty Hoopla’s Glyn Fussell, aimed to affirm that “trans people are loved, valued, and celebrated,” while also raising funds for nonprofits like Good Law Project and Not A Phase.
MNEK shared the stage with Wolf Alice, Beth Ditto, Sugababes, Olly Alexander, HAAi, Jasmine.4.T, Kae Tempest, Kate Nash, Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Romy, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Guest speakers included Sir Ian McKellen, Jordan Stephens, Munroe Bergdorf, Nicola Coughlan, and Zack Polanski.
Speaking backstage, MNEK, whose real name is Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike, explained his involvement, citing his long-standing relationships with Alexander and Fussell and his desire to support the show's core message.
"I absolutely believe that trans rights are human rights. They deserve to be acknowledged and that they deserve to feel like humans," he stated, expressing his excitement to perform for a crowd again.
Discussing the significance of events like Trans Mission, MNEK emphasized music's unifying power:
"The power of music is that it brings people together. There are so many things that are built to divide us, make us feel ostracised, and like we don’t belong, but music, for me, was something that made me feel like I belonged my entire life."
"The fact that I get to share it with people and with my community as a queer man, it’s really beautiful and something I don’t take for granted,” he added, grateful to be “at Wembley Arena, bringing some light and happiness to people, and saying that Trans lives matter."
His Trans Mission performance came eight years after his debut album ‘Language’ in 2018. Since then, he has written for pop giants such as Dua Lipa, RAYE, Beyoncé, Little Mix, FLO, Kylie Minogue, and Zara Larsson.
MNEK revealed that his sophomore album is complete and slated for release this year.
"The plan is more of me on stage. I’m releasing an album this year and I’ve just finished it, so I’m really looking forward to getting the chance to just put it out there. It’s been a while,” he said, adding that the new record will “simply be an extension of me just being a musician and putting myself out there."
"I’ve been writing and producing for people like FLO and Zara [Larsson, doing the] ‘Stateside’ remix with PinkPantheress, so it’s exciting to still be making music 17 years later in this industry,” he added.
"When working with anyone, I give a portion of myself to help them tell their stories. And getting to help someone tell their story is something that I’m really good at, but the challenge now is to be able to tell my own stories too."
MNEK at Trans Mission, Wembley. CREDIT: @Coco_amos
Addressing the possibility of another long wait for new music, MNEK stated:
"Oh my god, that is literally the antithesis of what I want! I want to be releasing music regularly and getting a chance to connect with people who really want to hear what I have to say."
"I feel like this next project will really be the start of that consistency. I’m so excited about it. I’m trying to be very cautious of how much I say, but this album is going to be very exciting."
At Trans Mission, Alexander performed tracks from his Years & Years era, introduced by Sir Ian McKellen, who recited Shakespeare’s The Strangers’ Case.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski urged attendees to “not be distracted” by those antagonizing the trans community. A poignant moment occurred when Caroline Litman, author of Her Name Is Alice, delivered a speech in memory of her late transgender daughter, receiving a standing ovation.
Related Articles
Listen to MNEK on Foxsoundi. Click here to listen!
Comments (0)
Login to comment