Sony Music Publishing UK has signed songwriter, producer, and artist MNEK to a worldwide publishing agreement.
The deal, announced on Tuesday (May 19), covers future works written by the London and LA-based hitmaker.
MNEK – real name Uzoechi Emenike – has built one of the most prolific songwriting and production catalogs of any UK creative over the past 15 years, with credits spanning work for Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Stormzy, Little Mix, BTS, Demi Lovato, Becky Hill and Jax Jones, among others.
His recent output has included multiple co-writes and production collaborations with Zara Larsson, including a co-write on the PinkPantheress track Stateside + Zara Larsson, which reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 1 on both the US Hot Dance/Pop Songs chart and Spotify‘s Global chart.
MNEK also contributed to Larsson‘s hit single Midnight Sun, which earned a 2026 GRAMMY nomination for Best Dance Pop Recording and has climbed to a peak of No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.
He executive-produced FLO‘s debut album Access All Areas – co-writing 14 tracks on the project – which was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 2026 GRAMMYs.
As a solo artist, MNEK‘s UK No. 1 single Head & Heart with Joel Corry has surpassed 1.3 billion Spotify streams, while the UK Top 5 hit Never Forget You with Zara Larsson has exceeded 1.1 billion Spotify streams.
According to the announcement, MNEK plans to release a sophomore solo album this year – his first since his 2018 debut Language.
“I’m excited to have a new home for my songwriting and be joining the Sony Music Publishing family,” said MNEK.
“I look forward to partnering with them through this next phase of my career as a singer, songwriter, and producer.
“SMP both in London & LA are really focused on helping me build on all that’s great about what I do and that’s the environment I want surrounding my music.”
“I’m excited to have a new home for my songwriting and be joining the Sony Music Publishing family.”
MNEK
Ollie Audouin, Senior A&R Manager at Sony Music Publishing UK, said: “Working with MNEK on this new chapter feels really special.
“A rare, generational talent, MNEK is one of the most versatile and important creatives today, who has helped shape so much of modern pop music.
“His impact speaks for itself, but what’s coming next feels especially exciting – a bold new era!”
“A rare, generational talent, MNEK is one of the most versatile and important creatives today, who has helped shape so much of modern pop music.”
Sarah Gabrielli
Sarah Gabrielli, Head of A&R at Sony Music Publishing UK, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome MNEK to Sony Music Publishing.
“Uzo is a truly visionary songwriter, producer and artist whose influence on UK pop music and culture is undeniable.
“His ability to consistently craft forward-thinking, globally resonant records sets him apart as one of the most important voices of his generation.
“We’re excited to partner with him as he enters the next chapter of his career and look forward to supporting his continued impact on a global scale.”
“His ability to consistently craft forward-thinking, globally resonant records sets him apart as one of the most important voices of his generation.”
Sarah Gabrielli
Gabrielli was promoted to Head of A&R at SMP UK in April 2025, reporting to President and Co-Managing Director David Ventura.
Ventura added: “I have known MNEK since he was first signed to EMI Music Publishing 15 years ago and it is with great joy that we welcome him back to SMP.
“During these years, MNEK has contributed to the world’s best music and artists, leading and influencing culture.
“A force of nature with unique artistry, his power is that he does everything and that makes him one of the most successful all-rounders on the planet, and this new chapter with his own artist project on the horizon is especially exciting.
“We are all very fortunate to be part of this journey and are welcoming him with open arms.”
“We are all very fortunate to be part of this journey and are welcoming him with open arms.”
David Ventura
The signing continues a run of recent activity from SMP UK. In April, the company signed Olivia Dean co-writer Bastian Langebaek to a global deal in partnership with joint-venture company Second Songs.
Sony Music Publishing was also named Publisher of the Year at the 2026 ASCAP Pop Music Awards earlier this month.
Among his other accolades, according to the announcement, MNEK has received two GRAMMY Awards, a BRIT nomination, two Ivor Novello Awards, and a 2025 Vocal Producer of the Year honor at the Music Producers Guild Awards in London.Music Business Worldwide