Olly Alexander and MNEK kiss the f**kboys goodbye in Years & Years’ ‘Valentino’ video – WATCH
The queer pop collaboration we've all been waiting for is finally here.
By Will Stroude
Words: Will Stroude
Be still our beating gay heart, because Years & Years and MNEK have teamed up for the queer pop collaboration we’ve all been waiting for.
After releasing two of the best queer albums of 2018 in the former of Palo Santo and Language, Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander and MNEK, aka Uzo Emenike, have combined their fiersome pop talents on new single ‘Valentino’.
A kiss-off anthem to f**kboys everywhere, the Latin-infused track also has a perfectly-timed anti-Valentine’s Day video, which sees MNEK help a hearbroken Olly get over an ex the only way we know how: namely, by drinking copious amounts of champagne in the bath and writing a big ‘f**k you’ in lipstick on the mirror.
Director Jordan Rossi paid tribute to both artists as he released the video, revealing that LGBTQ creatives were involved throughout its production.
“This was my second collab with MNEK and my first with Olly. They are both an absolute dream to work with. Not only do they bring an incredible energy and sensibility, but they’re also super creative,” he said.
“Not only is this video fun, ferocious and uber camp, it’s also a true LGBTQ collaboration in front of and behind the camera.
“The track ‘Valentino’ was written by and features two of the most prominent out gay musicians in the UK, singing about their boyfriend troubles.
“This isn’t a song you hear every day, and let’s be honest; it’s usually relegated to niche radio stations or playlists.”
Well, based on the engery Olly and MNEK are giving us on ‘Valentino’, that better end today…