MNEK will be releasing his first new album for eight years in 2026.
The 31-year-old singer and record producer intends to release a follow-up to his 2018 debut Language this year as part of his plans to expand his stage presence again.
Speaking to NME, MNEK said: “The plan (for 2026) is more or me on stage. I’m releasing an album this year and I’ve just finished it, so I’m really looking forward to getting the chance to just put it out there. It’s been a while.”
The prolific producer, who has collaborated with artists including Zara Larsson, Dua Lipa and Becky Hill, has promised that his fans won’t be waiting another eight years for his third album.
He said: “Oh my god, that is literally the antithesis of what I want! I want to be releasing music regularly and getting a chance to connect with people who really want to hear what I have to say.
“I feel like this next project will really be the start of that consistency. I’m so excited about it. I’m trying to be very cautious of how much I say, but this album is going to be very exciting.”
MNEK relishes the opportunity to work with other artists but also wants the chance to tell his “own stories” musically.
He said: “I’ve been writing and producing for people like FLO and Zara (Larsson, doing the) Stateside remix with PinkPantheress, so it’s exciting to still be making music 17 years later in this industry.
“When working with anyone, I give a portion of myself to help them tell their stories. And getting to help someone tell their story is something that I’m really good at, but the challenge now is to be able to tell my own stories too.”
MNEK featured on the bill for the Trans Mission gig at Wembley Arena last week and wanted to get involved in the event – which was organised by Years and Years star Olly Alexander and Mighty Hoopla founder Glyn Fussell – in support of trans rights.
The artist, whose real name is Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike, said: “I absolutely believe that trans rights are human rights. They deserve to be acknowledged and they deserve to feel like humans.
“The power of music is that it brings people together. There are so many things that are built to divide us, make me feel ostracised, and like we don’t belong, but music, for me, was something that made me feel like I belonged my entire life.”