Having begun his pop songwriting career at just 14 years-old, MNEK has gone on to be a prolific producer, songwriter and artist in his own right. Now at 23, he’s written for Beyonce, Madonna, Kylie and Little Mix.
On his debut album, Language, MNEK creates a piece that manages to feel both nostalgic and forward facing. The album’s sounds mix cutting edge pop and R&B production with vocal harmonies and hooks that reference the best of ‘90s and ‘00s R&B: there’s a little Brandy here and a touch of Janet Jackson there. But ultimately, it’s MNEK’s own vision that shines through on an album unafraid to centre the experience of a young queer black man in a pop music landscape.