MNEK
MNEK | |
|---|---|
 MNEK backstage | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike |
| Also known as | Uzo Emenike |
| Born | 9 November 1994 Lewisham, London, England |
| Origin | Bellingham, London, England |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | |
Uzoechi Osisioma "Uzo" Emenike (born 9 November 1994), better known by his[a] stage name MNEK, is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer.[2] He has been nominated for a Grammy and a Brit Award. He received the ASCAP Vanguard Award.[3] His writing and productions credits include Madonna, Jax Jones, Dua Lipa, KSI, Zara Larsson, Christina Aguilera, and many others.
Career[change | change source]
His stage name is a gramogram of his surname, Emenike.
In an interview with Build LDN, he told how he was introduced into the music industry. He did not know what a music producer was. He states that he wrote poems in his childhood. He also stated that he also started to produce music around the same time. At the age of 14, he set up a MySpace account to post his works. He was a fan of CocknBullKid. CocknBullKid then later on helped him become a publisher.[4]
In the early 2010s, he helped produce music for others. He was also featured on a few albums by other artists.
On March 2015, he created his first debut EP, Small Talk (EP). During the same year, he helped Swedish singer Zara Larsson work on releasing her song "Never Forget You".[5]
Because of the success of Never Forget You, he went to work with other musical artists. This began with working on Beyoncé's 2016 song "Hold Up". After that, he worked with Jax Jones, Shift K3Y, and many others.
In 2016-2017, he released his first solo singles.
In 2019, he worked with LGBT musical artists. It was to make a safe place to work in.[6]
In 2020, he made the song "Head & Heart" with Joel Corry. That song was sucessful. It is because it peaked at number one on the Official UK Charts.
In 2021, he appeared as a guest vocal coach for RuPaul's Drag Race UK.[7]
Discography[change | change source]
- Language (2018)
Personal life[change | change source]
Emenike came out as gay when he was 19. He wrote with other LGBT artists. An example is Rina Sawayama.[8] He wants to reach out to young adults who are questioning their sexual orientation.[9]
Notes[change | change source]
References[change | change source]
- ↑ Magliola, Anna Sky (2 January 2023). "MNEK: Everything you need to know about the talented singer-songwriter 🎶". Planet Radio. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ↑ "Grammy Nominated UK Producer & Songwriter MNEK Releases Debut EP 'Small Talk' Today".
- ↑ "Jess Glynne and MNEK to receive ASCAP Vanguard Award".
- ↑ ""I Had No Idea What a Publisher Was" - MNEK on His Young Start in the Industry". YouTube.
- ↑ "MNEK & ZARA LARSSON | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts.
- ↑ "MNEK: Someone told me my video made them uncomfortable". BBC News. 6 July 2019.
- ↑ "Mnek Joins Upcoming 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' as Guest Vocal Coach". Billboard.
- ↑ "Celebrating Black Pride: The inspiring story of UK musician, singer, songwriter and producer MNEK | Withersworldwide".
- ↑ "MNEK: I want to say it's OK to be black and gay". BBC News.