The artist has written for Beyoncé and been nominated for two Grammys, yet individual success has eluded him. Now he’s back with a new album that puts queer joy in the spotlight – and, he says, he’s finally ready to enjoy himself
In a south-east London warehouse, Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike, more commonly known as MNEK, is sitting on a bench in a makeshift locker room surrounded by semi-naked men. One particularly muscular individual suggestively adjusts a jockstrap, while another, taller and toned, removes his vest before eyeing MNEK with a loaded gaze. It’s a lot of sexual tension for a Tuesday morning. But such is the life of a pop star on the set of a music video.
“It is very gay, you’re not wrong there,” MNEK says, while getting his makeup done for the shoot. The video being filmed is for the fittingly titled Muscle Marys.., the third single from the 31-year-old south Londoner’s second album, Bulldozer!! In one corner of the warehouse, behind a large vanity curtain, a group of dancers are being hosed down while filming a shower scene. The water, a runner has assured me, is warm.