MNEK is getting his man—even if he has a "Girlfriend."
With all the gusto of Robin Givens throwing her wedding ring at her husband in Toni Braxton's "He Wasn't Man Enough," MNEK's latest single is a bonafide side-chick anthem—with a gay twist.
In the video, MNEK lays seductively in bed as his man answers a call from his girlfriend on their five-year anniversary. "I'm a little secret nobody's supposed to know," he croons over a '90s, R&B-inspired beat. "Neither you or your story's straight./It's such a shame."
PRIDE briefly chatted with the international singer-songwriter about his scandalous new music video and upcoming US tour.
PRIDE: Did real-life events inspire "Girlfriend?" Spill the tea, sis.
MNEK: No, it didn’t actually! When I wrote the song I really wanted to explore this story because I know it’s happened to people I know and I’ve never heard it from a male perspective in a song this brashly.
This is the most '90-inspired video I’ve seen in a minute. All that was missing was that circular lightroom. Who were your influences?
When Jordan [Rossi, "Girlfriend" Director] and I were discussing the video, we really wanted to accentuate the boy’s mind. George Michael’s "Fast Love," a lot of colour, slow-motion shots, with a strong narrative to go along with it.
What is homegirl cooking with that bowl of flour? Does she know how to crack an egg? There’s going to be so much shell in that "cake."
That was the point lol! It was just to put emphasis on the haphazardness of the girlfriend.
You’re about to start your first North American tour. Are you hyped? (I’ll see you in San Francisco!)
I will see you there! I’m really excited. I’ve tweaked the setlist a little to cater to American crowds, but I’m still doing the whole album and have some great support in Raja Kumari, Tayla Parx, and MAAD. I have my dancers with me too so it’s going to be super fun.
Departing thoughts?
Stream Language now and buy your tickets for my US tour! Stay tuned!
Watch "Girlfriend" below!
