MNEK on being a ‘double minority’: ‘I am not seen as the template for a Black person’
The 'Head & Heart' singer says trolls have branded him “an abomination”.
MNEK has discussed being a “double minority” in a new interview.
Speaking to Metro, the out gay singer also spoke out about the trolling he is subjected to on social media.
His comments follow his single ‘Head & Heart’ with Joel Corry hitting Number One on the UK Singles Chart earlier this year.
“I am not seen as the template for a Black person”
The star – who has produced Little Mix’s upcoming album Confetti – said: “Being a minority is one thing, being a double minority – having to grapple with those two identities – there are a lot of layers to it.”
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Talking about the response to his debut 2018 album Language, the ‘Tongue’ singer continued: “I am not seen as the template for a Black person.
“There were a lot of positive comments on what I was trying to achieve. But definitely negative ones from people who felt I was demoralising the Black experience. That I was an abomination and that the devil was in my eyes.
“These were the comments I was getting.”
MNEK continued: “I’m there to open up the conversation, to show there is more than just the Black straight person, there is the Black queer person, the Black trans person – there’s not just one thing that people have to accept.
“Being Black is one thing in itself and it’s a battle we face every day. The structure of the world – beyond micro-aggressions or type-casting – that tells you white is apparently superior. Then you add the gay thing and it is also a bit alienating.”
MNEK, who was the recipient of the Attitude Music Award in 2016, is also known for tracks like ‘Never Forget You’ with Zara Larsson and ‘Valentino’ with Years & Years.
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