MNEK
Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike (born 9 November 1994), known professionally as MNEK, is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer of Nigerian descent, recognized for his contributions to pop, R&B, and dance music.[1][2] Born in Lewisham, London, he started producing tracks at age 14 and rose to prominence through collaborations with major artists, including writing and producing for Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Little Mix, and Zara Larsson.[3][4] MNEK's songwriting credits include chart-topping singles such as "IDGAF" for Dua Lipa, "Touch" for Little Mix, "You Don't Know Me" with Jax Jones featuring Raye, and "Never Forget You" with Zara Larsson, many of which achieved top positions on the UK Singles Chart and international success.[3] His production work extends to hits like "Head & Heart" with Joel Corry, which reached number one in the UK.[3] In addition to his behind-the-scenes role, MNEK has released his own material, including the 2018 album Language, blending personal themes with genre-spanning production.[5] Among his accolades, MNEK received the ASCAP Vanguard Award in 2016 for his songwriting impact and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording for "Need U (100%)" in 2014.[6][7] His career highlights underscore a versatile influence in contemporary music, marked by technical skill in production and a focus on melodic pop structures.[8]Early life
Family and upbringing
Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike, known professionally as MNEK, was born on 9 November 1994 in Lewisham, a district in South East London, to parents of Nigerian origin.[9][10] His family immigrated from Nigeria, reflecting the significant Nigerian diaspora community in the area, where Emenike was raised in a working-class, multicultural urban environment.[11][1] Emenike's upbringing fostered an early affinity for music, with his father supporting his interests by purchasing a Casio keyboard around age five after observing his enthusiasm for pop acts like the Spice Girls.[12] This parental encouragement aligned with a household environment conducive to creative pursuits, though details on siblings or extended family remain limited in public records. By ages seven to eight, he was writing poems and rudimentary songs, laying the groundwork for his later production skills amid the vibrant, diverse cultural influences of Lewisham.[13][14]Entry into music
Emenike began writing poems and songs at the age of eight, initially as a creative outlet in his South London home.[15] [1] He soon progressed to producing beats and full tracks using basic software in his bedroom, drawing from family musical influences and self-taught techniques.[16] [17] By age 14 in 2008, Emenike adopted the moniker MNEK—derived from his initials—and uploaded original productions to MySpace, including early demos that showcased his pop and R&B influences.[18] These uploads attracted industry attention, leading to his signing of a publishing deal with Sony/ATV after just two tracks gained traction online.[18] [19] This deal formalized his entry into the professional music sphere, enabling collaborations with established producers such as Xenomania by age 16.[20] Early productions under MNEK focused on songwriting and remixing for emerging UK artists, laying groundwork for his reputation as a behind-the-scenes talent before solo releases.[18] His rapid ascent from amateur uploads to industry contracts highlighted the democratizing role of early internet platforms in talent discovery during the late 2000s.[19]Career
2011–2013: Breakthrough productions
In 2011, at the age of 16, MNEK secured his initial significant industry credit as co-producer and co-writer on "All Fired Up" by British-Irish girl group The Saturdays, the second single from their third studio album On Your Radar, released on 21 August.[3][21] The track, co-produced alongside Xenomania members Brian Higgins and Space Cowboy, showcased MNEK's emerging electropop production style and marked his transition from self-taught bedroom production to professional collaborations with established acts.[22] Around the same period, he contributed productions for artist Florrie, further building his portfolio through work with Xenomania-affiliated projects.[22] Building momentum in 2012, MNEK produced and solely wrote Misha B's debut single "Home Run", released on 15 July as the lead from her upcoming album, emphasizing high-energy pop with electronic elements reflective of his early sound.[23] That February, he provided featured vocals on Rudimental's "Spoons" alongside Syron, a house-influenced track from the drum and bass collective's debut album Home (2013), which highlighted his versatility as a vocalist and collaborator in the burgeoning UK electronic scene.[24] These productions, often handled independently in his home setup, demonstrated MNEK's precocious technical proficiency and helped establish his reputation among UK labels and artists seeking fresh pop and dance talent.[22]2014–2015: "Every Little Word" and early solo work
In 2014, MNEK transitioned toward establishing himself as a solo artist, building on his prior success as a producer and songwriter. His debut solo single, "Wrote a Song About You", was released as a digital download on 21 April 2014.[25] This was followed by "Every Little Word" in June 2014, which achieved a peak position of number 36 on the UK Singles Chart during its single week in the top 40.[26] On 22 July 2014, MNEK issued the promotional single "In Your Clouds" through an iTunes Ones to Watch campaign, previewing material intended for his forthcoming debut studio album.[27] Later that year, in November 2014, he unveiled "The Rhythm", marking another step in his solo output.[28] "The Rhythm" entered the UK Singles Chart in early 2015, reaching a peak of number 38 and spending two weeks in the listing.[26] These tracks formed the foundation of MNEK's debut extended play, Small Talk, released on 20 March 2015 via Virgin EMI Records.[29] The EP compiled "Every Little Word", "Wrote a Song About You", "The Rhythm", and "In Your Clouds" alongside two new songs, "More Than a Miracle" and "Suddenly", showcasing his self-produced blend of pop, R&B, and electronic elements as a lead artist.[30] This release represented MNEK's initial foray into sustained solo visibility, distinct from his behind-the-scenes collaborations.[31]2016–2018: Major songwriting hits and Language
In 2016, MNEK co-wrote "Ain't My Fault" for Zara Larsson, released as a single on September 2 and featured on her album So Good the following year.[32] The track, co-produced with Mike Spencer, highlighted his ability to craft assertive pop hooks blending R&B and electronic elements.[33] That same year, MNEK received the ASCAP Vanguard Award in London on November 10, recognizing his emerging influence as a songwriter shaping contemporary pop and EDM genres.[6] By 2017, MNEK's contributions expanded with co-writing "IDGAF" for Dua Lipa's self-titled debut album, released on June 2.[34] The song, an empowered breakup anthem co-produced with Larzz Principato, became a standout track, later issued as a single on January 12, 2018, and peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart.[35] These credits underscored MNEK's role in delivering chart-topping material for major artists, with "IDGAF" earning over 1 billion streams globally by emphasizing lyrical directness over mainstream pop conventions.[36] Transitioning toward his solo output, MNEK released singles building to his debut album Language, including "Tongue" in February 2018, "Paradise" earlier that year, and "Colour" on June 1.[37] Language, a 16-track project self-produced largely by MNEK and issued via Virgin EMI Records on September 7, 2018, explored themes of identity and communication through eclectic pop production.[37] The album debuted at number 183 on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting modest commercial reception despite critical notes on its genre-blending ambition, with tracks like "Crazy World"—released August 17 as the lead promotional single—showcasing vulnerable lyricism amid upbeat arrangements.[38]2019–2022: Streaming successes and industry setbacks
In 2019, MNEK co-wrote and provided vocals for "Valentino" with Years & Years, released on February 14 as part of the band's album Palo Santo. The track addressed themes of emotional recovery from toxic relationships, aligning with MNEK's songwriting style focused on personal resilience. Later that year, on July 26, MNEK hosted a songwriting camp for emerging LGBT singer-songwriters in partnership with Pride In Music, aimed at fostering underrepresented talent in the industry.[39] The year 2020 marked a commercial peak through MNEK's featured role on Joel Corry's "Head & Heart," released on July 10. The dance-pop single debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart on July 24, holding the position for six weeks and accumulating 76,000 sales units in its second week alone, including 9.1 million streams. It became the UK's biggest song of 2020 by overall consumption and surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify by December 2022. This success contrasted with MNEK's ongoing solo challenges, as no new personal album followed Language (2018), which had received critical praise but limited chart performance, prompting a shift toward high-profile collaborations amid industry pressures on independent artists.[40][41] Into 2021, "Head & Heart" extended its dominance, spending over 10 weeks at number one and totaling 61 weeks on the UK chart, driven by sustained streaming and radio play. MNEK also served as a guest vocal coach on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, sharing production insights with contestants. However, broader industry disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic hindered live performances and promotional tours, exacerbating setbacks for artists reliant on solo visibility, as MNEK noted in cultural highlight discussions around constrained creativity during lockdowns.[42][43] In 2022, MNEK produced multiple tracks for the debut EP The Lead by Island Records girl group Flo, including the lead single "Cardboard Box," released on March 24. The R&B-infused track went viral via TikTok choreography and amassed over 11.5 million streams by October, showcasing MNEK's production prowess in vocal layering and harmonies. Additionally, his feature on Jax Jones's "Where Did You Go?," released February 25, peaked at number three in the UK and garnered 476 million Spotify streams, ranking among the year's top dance hits. Despite these production wins, MNEK's solo output remained sparse, highlighting persistent hurdles in securing label-backed personal projects amid a streaming landscape favoring collaborative features over individual debuts.[44][45][46]2023–present: Flo collaborations and publishing ventures
In early 2023, MNEK co-wrote and co-produced "Fly Girl" for the British girl group FLO, featuring American rapper Missy Elliott.[47] The track, which drew on Elliott's influence for its energetic production, contributed to FLO's rising profile that year, including their win as BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2023.[47] MNEK described the collaboration as aligning with FLO's vision of modernizing girl group dynamics while honoring hip-hop roots.[47] Toward the end of 2023, MNEK reunited with FLO to co-write "Walk Like This," alongside collaborators Kabba, Relyt, Talay Riley, and Ashton Sellars.[48] The song, emphasizing confident strut and empowerment themes, was released as a single on March 8, 2024, serving as a precursor to FLO's debut album.[49] These efforts marked MNEK's sustained role in shaping FLO's R&B-pop sound amid their commercial momentum.[48] Parallel to these projects, MNEK advanced publishing initiatives through the Proud Sound songwriting camp, an annual event he co-hosts with Warner Chappell Music to develop LGBTQIA+ songwriters and producers.[50] Launched in 2019 under his partnership with the publisher, the 2023 edition occurred during London Pride Month, partnering with Spotify for Artists to facilitate sessions focused on creation, networking, and industry access.[51] The camp has produced collaborative tracks and placements, emphasizing practical skill-building over performative diversity efforts.[52] By 2025, Proud Sound continued as a flagship venture, with the latest iteration in June hosting over a dozen participants for multi-day writing sessions.[53]Musical style and artistry
Influences and genre fusion
MNEK's musical influences draw heavily from R&B, pop, and dance traditions, with producers such as Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, Jermaine Dupri, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis cited as formative figures from his early exposure to their work on albums by artists like Aaliyah and Janet Jackson.[51] He has also expressed admiration for Teddy Riley's new jack swing innovations and early Calvin Harris productions on albums like I Created Disco (2007) and Ready for the Weekend (2009), which shaped his approach to rhythmic and electronic elements.[13] Vocalists including George Michael, Janet Jackson, and Janelle Monáe have profoundly impacted his style; MNEK credits George Michael for pioneering vocal smoothness and production finesse, Janet Jackson's The Velvet Rope (1997) for its narrative depth in album structuring, and Monáe's The ArchAndroid (2010) for conceptual storytelling.[54][18] A Spotify playlist curated by MNEK for his 2018 album Language highlights tracks like Jackson's "Empty," Mariah Carey's "Underneath the Stars," and Michael Jackson's "Break of Dawn," underscoring his affinity for melodic soul and funk-infused pop from the 1980s and 1990s.[55] In fusing genres, MNEK integrates R&B's emotive phrasing and soulful harmonies with electronic dance structures, UK garage's syncopated basslines, and house rhythms to create hybrid tracks that prioritize infectious hooks and layered production.[18] This synthesis is evident in his solo work and productions, where he blends 1970s soul grooves with 1990s R&B and hip-hop cadences into contemporary pop frameworks, avoiding rigid genre boundaries to emphasize dynamic energy and vocal versatility.[56] His approach yields innovative beats and interpolations that bridge club-oriented dance-pop with introspective lyricism, as seen in Language's explosive vocal showcases amid pulsating electronic backdrops.[18]Production techniques and vocal delivery
MNEK's production approach is predominantly self-taught, developed through online YouTube tutorials on beat-making during his formative years, to which he applied personal modifications for originality.[16] He has maintained a home studio in East London since his early career, where he constructs songs by rapidly capturing ideas—often amassing over 1,000 fragments on his phone—and assembles them into full tracks, as demonstrated in sessions for releases like "At Night (I Think About You)."[57] This process emphasizes a comfortable, non-clinical environment over professional facilities for initial demos, though he has recorded artist vocals, such as those for Little Mix and Rudimental, using specialized microphones in the same setup.[57] In collaborations, MNEK contributes vocals and production elements iteratively; for instance, on Joel Corry's "Head & Heart" (2020), he supplied lead vocals that underwent detailed EQ processing in the mixing stage to ensure tonal consistency and integration with the track's dance structure, often prioritizing vocal prominence in breakdowns.[58] He incorporates digital tools like Auto-Tune during recording to achieve precise pitch correction, describing it as a standard industry practice rather than a crutch, given his demonstrated ability to perform live without it.[57] This method allows for polished, layered productions blending genres such as house, R&B, and 90s influences, reflecting a decade-plus commitment to self-producing beats alongside songwriting.[16] MNEK's vocal delivery features a versatile, multi-faceted style, often contrasting melodic hooks delivered in a full, soulful register with spoken-word verses that accentuate his London dialect for rhythmic emphasis and narrative drive.[59] On his debut album Language (2018), this approach is evident across tracks like "Tongue" and "Paradise," where he primarily self-harmonizes without guest features, showcasing self-sufficient layering techniques.[59] His recordings prioritize emotional expressiveness over technical ostentation, supported by Auto-Tune for studio refinement while maintaining live authenticity, as he performs unprocessed to affirm vocal capability.[57] This duality enables infectious, high-energy deliveries in upbeat collaborations, such as the buoyant phrasing in "Head & Heart," balanced by introspective tones in solo work.[58]Notable works and collaborations
Key production credits
MNEK has earned recognition for his production work on several chart-topping tracks for other artists, often blending pop, R&B, and electronic elements with meticulous layering and dynamic builds.[3] His production credits emphasize rhythmic precision and vocal enhancement, contributing to commercial successes in the UK and internationally. Notable examples include:- You Don't Know Me by Jax Jones featuring Raye (2016), which MNEK produced and which peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, marking one of his earliest major hits as a producer.[3]
- Touch by Little Mix (2016), a production credit that helped the track reach number 4 in the UK, featuring his signature upbeat synths and group harmonies.[3]
- All Fired Up by The Saturdays (2013), where he served as co-producer, achieving a number 3 peak in the UK with its high-energy dance-pop arrangement.[3]
Songwriting contributions to major artists
MNEK has co-written tracks for prominent artists across pop and R&B genres, often blending introspective lyrics with upbeat production. His contributions include "Hold Up" for Beyoncé's 2016 visual album Lemonade, where he provided a key line amid a collaborative process involving multiple demos; the song samples "Turn My Back on You" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.[61][3][62] For Little Mix, MNEK co-wrote "Touch" on their 2016 album Glory Days, which peaked at number 4 in the UK and emphasized themes of emotional connection; he also contributed to "No" from the same era and worked on tracks for their 2020 album Confetti.[3][63] Other notable songwriting credits include "IDGAF" for Dua Lipa in 2017, a defiant breakup anthem that charted at number 3 in the UK, and "Deserve" for Christina Aguilera's 2018 album Liberation, co-written in a conversational style with Julia Michaels focusing on relational introspection.[3][64] MNEK provided songwriting for Madonna's 2015 album Rebel Heart, marking an early high-profile collaboration in his career.[65]| Artist | Song | Album/Year | UK Peak Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beyoncé | Hold Up | Lemonade (2016) | 11 |
| Little Mix | Touch | Glory Days (2016) | 4 |
| Dua Lipa | IDGAF | Dua Lipa (2017) | 3 |
| Christina Aguilera | Deserve | Liberation (2018) | N/A (album track) |