MNEK is happy with his ‘safe and loving’ boyfriend
By Will Stroude
MNEK has admitted he wants to be the role model for gay black kids that he never had growing up.
The Grammy-nominated singer, real name Uzoechi Emenike, discussed growing up gay, coming out and his current relationship with Metro’s Guilty Pleasures.
“I have a loving boyfriend who is really cool and really safe,” he said. “He is the nicest and my favourite. I am happy.”
The Never Forget You singer, who at the tender age of just 21 has already penned tracks for everyone from Madonna to Beyoncé, went on to say that even though his own coming out process is a “work in progress”, he wants to be a role model for other young gay black people.
“As a black gay artist, as a kid, a big part of how uncomfortable I was, was I didn’t have a role model I didn’t have someone on TV I could liken myself to,” he explained.
“I take it as my responsibility to be exactly who I wanted to see on TV. If anyone can see themselves in me that’s f**king great. That means I am making someone feel good about themselves.”
MNEK, who unveiled brand new single ‘At Night (I Think About You) earlier this month, spoke to Attitude last year about being part of a new generation of gay pop stars who aren’t defined by their sexuality – find out more here.
You can listen to ‘At Night (I Think About You)’ below:
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