MNEK: The Road To Black Gay Pop Stardom

Recording artist MNEK chats with TENz about his position in the music industry as a writer/producer, being an openly gay, black pop star, success of his debut album “Language” and his upcoming World Pride performance in New York City.

Interview Derae D’Mora 

You’re at the forefront of a movement of queer creatives being open in their identities. Having that experience, what advice would you give to young queer creatives struggling with speaking their truth through their work? 

I’d say it takes some time. And also you can’t force it, cause it’s supposed to be real. If it’s not genuine, don’t force it. Everyone’s relationship with telling his or her truth is different.

When did you know that as an artist, you were going to be open and unapologetic about your identity? 

I kind of knew as soon as I signed my record deal but I just didn’t know how to go about it. I had a lot of searching and learning to do before I was able to complete my album to be what it is. I knew I wanted to be what I didn’t see growing up but it was about knowing how comfortable I was going to be telling my stories and my experiences.

Queer culture, especially Black queer culture, has been at the forefront of setting trends and new modes of creative expression for decades. How do you feel about being a part of that legacy and what specifically do you want to contribute to the culture? 

I love being a part of black queer culture – I’m very blessed that in a very white world, my music and my heart can still be heard. I know that I want to continue making records for other artists, making my own, get into executive and make my own label. I haven’t seen black queer people be heads of labels ala Quincy Jones or Berry Gordy or LA Reid. The musician comma executive flex is really appealing to me. All I’ve ever wanted to do is music and I look forward to the multiple ways in which i can do it.

You’re performing at the main stage World Pride! How are you processing all your energy for this very big moment?

I haven’t had time to process it tbh haha! Plus the set is literally 20 minutes; it will go in a flash! but I can’t wait, I’m so excited to be doing Pride – so many of my friends should be there.

Being black and being gay means having to exist at the intersections of both.  What’s it like trying to navigate that as an artist with ever growing popularity?

I honestly don’t know. I’m just doing me in this world, the intersectionality rah rah – I don’t always know what everyone else is doing, so all I can do is be me, give everything my best shot and hope it makes people happy and want to hear from me. And that applies to both my artist career and my career writing for other artists.

LANGUAGE very much delved into and dissected the nuances of a gay man’s existence while navigating love.  Do you ever worry that telling a story through that lens might not translate well for a heteronormative audience? 

Not initially. I think there will always be people that we’re educating. People leave comments on some of the videos saying “I should go to hell”, “this shit is gay af” and “I’ve got a homosexual spirit”, and it’s just whack. I know my heart; I know my intentions come from wanting a healthy and open dialogue through my art. If it makes people uncomfortable, it intrigues me more than it scares me.

What queer artists are you a fan of or want people to pay more attention to?

I love Karnage, amazing UK rapper – so talented. Leo Kalyan, Ryan Ashley, Vardaan Aurora – there’s so many extremely talented LGBTQ artists that deserve more attention and recognition.

What role do you feel music and art in general plays in helping to fight the oppression so many queer people are still facing worldwide?

I’ve always said my music, my videos and my performances are my medium of activism. I want LGBTQ artists and creatives and especially those of color to be seen as valid – not to be tokenized but wholly celebrated for what we do and who we are as a people. I love us and I love what we bring to the table.

Catch MNEK performing at the World Pride NYC closing ceremony in Times Square on June 30th.