Quotes from MNEK

When I wrote 'Paradise,' it was going to be an interlude - like a segue from the song before. Then I just added more to it because everyone loved it.

I'm a musician, and I'm not interested in being in the Houses of Parliament.

My visual medium is my videos, and I've got to feel as though I can put my truth in that.

I've waited for the day my debut album is released my entire life, so naturally I've designed it to be listened to from start to finish - so every song flows into each other in a way that tells a sonic story.

Having the opportunity to work with someone like Beyonce is definitely going to hopefully open a few doors.

If I'm writing a tune with someone I'm making sure it's what they wanna say and it's articulating what they have to share.

I'm very thankful that I'm in a position where I'll never be without a session. I'll always have someone who will want to get in the studio with me, or there'll always be someone that I'll wanna get in the studio with.

I lost a lot of weight. No carbs for a good six or seven months. It was tough but I looked hot.

I often make a joke of my parents, because I come from a Nigerian background and there's a stereotype in the Nigerian community that all of us are going to be doctors and lawyers, and that's just how it is. But upon reflection, my parents were always really supportive of me doing music.

I understand, as an artist as well as a producer, the need for there to be mystery and surprise.

A lot of the time the K-pop fans are pleasant and enthusiastic and they really credit everyone who has been a part of their favorite artists' records.

I make pop music. I make music that is pretty commercial. But, at the same time, I'm a minority within a minority and it can be challenging. I feel validated about what I'm doing when I meet fellow black gay men or black gay women.

There are so many amazing out, gay, black artists who are really great in their own fields, but they aren't necessarily trying to make pop music. I guess my thing is different because I am trying to be part of that world. But doing it my way.

I naturally make commercial music: it's never been a calculated decision to make pop music. I'm a genuine pop music fan.

For me personally, I've always tried to exude positivity and I feel that it's important for all types of experiences of black men to be seen.

I think every song I do is specifically tailored to what I would say and how I approach situations.

There's always so much stuff to do. I work best when my diary just says 'MNEK, MNEK, MNEK.'

The Big Music Project gives young people access to producers, managers, set designers, artists and a load of other industry insiders who are at top of their game. It can be difficult to know where to start and this project gives young people who are passionate about music, knowledge and hands on experience.

A lot of dance producers aren't really musical, they don't care much about detail.

I love writing and producing but I don't think a lot of people know my artist stuff.

I started out writing and producing as a way for me to get the confidence to put out my own record and to learn and to really be a student of the industry.

I've always liked discovering things.

I want more people to know who I am and I want to have the chance to tease my music a bit more.

Girls Generation, I love their Teddy Riley-produced track 'The Boys.'