The artist has written for Beyonc\u00e9 and been nominated for two Grammys, yet individual success has eluded him. Now he\u2019s back with a new album that puts queer joy in the spotlight \u2013 and, he says, he\u2019s finally ready to enjoy himself<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is very gay, you\u2019re not wrong there,\u201d 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/161667b67368960331483a03398932af1885e25d\/0_211_8329_6662\/master\/8329.jpg?width=140&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=1aa2d7284de4e8c7dda908284ec3fd1c\" "\\"MNEK")
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