MNEK on being a new breed of gay popstar
By Will Stroude
MNEK has discussed being part of a new generation of pop stars for whom sexuality is a non-issue.
In the new issue of Attitude, the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer – who scored a UK Top 5 hit last year with Gorgon City on Ready for Your Love and has written for the likes of The Saturdays, Rudimental, and Little Mix, says he hasn’t felt the “need” to make an announcement about his sexuality.
“Well yeah, I’m seeing a guy, and that’s my boyfriend. So I’m gay,” the 20-year-old says.
“I guess the main reason why I haven’t felt the need to make this announcement is because I should be able to function the same way a straight person can function.
“A straight person wouldn’t have to make this announcement.”
The All Fired Up co-writer – who also worked provided backing vocals for Madonna’s new single Living for Love – adds that he would not “tell” someone what to think about his sexuality.
“I don’t want to tell anyone ‘This is how I live my life. Let me live my life and and I’ll tell you how to think about it’. I’m not going to do that. I’m at peace with that.
“And that’s really the crunch of it all.”
You can read the full interview with MNEK – real name Uzo Emenike – in the new issue of Attitude, where the rising star chats everything from working with the Queen of Pop to coming-of-age in the music industry.
The grand dame of drag herself, one Ms. RuPaul, appears on the cover of the Style Issue, which inside includes features on man-of-the-moment Jamie Dornan and a 10-page special on Madonna’s musical comeback.
Elsewhere, we chat to acting legend Celia Imrie about her glittering career and Ugly Heart hitmakers G.R.L., who open up about about life together after the shock death of their founding member Simone last year.
You can read all that plus more in the new Style issue of Attitude, which is available to download to your mobile, iPad or tablet device now, at Pocketmags.com/Attitude.
The issue will be out in shops next Thursday (March 5) and you can also have it delivered directly to your door at newsstand.co.uk.
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