Enjoying a well-earned day off since the release of his debut album, Language, MNEK seemed relaxed and open in discussing the whirlwind of reception following the release, and excited to focus our chat around his vision for musical world domination and spreading a positive message.

Real name Uzo Emenike, the pop singer’s debut seems long overdue. Having written for and worked with the likes of Madonna, Dua Lipa and Stormzy, it seems unbelievable that this is his first solo extended body of work.

“I suppose it is a long time coming’’, he admitted, “but it feels like the right time in my personal journey. I’m usually impatient, but it feels like I can now bring merit and experience to my album.”

He went on, “I’ve learnt so much from others. I’ve experienced making an album from different angles and I understand what it takes to make records.”

On the reception of Language, MNEK seemed confident in his focus on the positive feedback, explaining that he has received an abundance of messages from fans who have felt empowered by the album. He urged that he is proud of what he has achieved, and his primary focus is to get more people listening.

Having recently reacted on Twitter to negative backlash faced since the release, he could not have seemed calmer and more focused: “I’m so excited to take this album on tour and connect with fans and really deliver a show. Hopefully it will bring more people into the album.”

We asked him about his catalogue of impressive collaborations, and when asked if he could cite one dream individual to work with, he answered immediately: “Mariah”. 

His confidence and artistic expression on behalf of the black and LGBTQ communities is inspirational to young artists and fans, and his flippant attitude to negativity is particularly infectious.

“My own inspiration came from people like Janet Jackson and George Michael – it’s great pop music and also daring, which I like.” When asked who he was listening to currently, old school RnB was top of the list – “it’s my go-to” - followed by newcomers to the scene like Rae Black.

“You should all be listening to Language”, he half-joked.

His thoughts on next year involved pushing the album more, releasing another single from the record and continuing to spread his message of freedom of expression.

Check out MNEK's track 'Correct' below.