MNEK on writing smash hits, battling self-doubt and his solo struggles: ‘I’m a fat Black gay man. Try selling that’

<p>The artist has written for Beyoncé and been nominated for two Grammys, yet individual success has eluded him. Now he’s back with a new album that puts queer joy in the spotlight – and, he says, he’s finally ready to enjoy himself</p><p>In a south-east London warehouse, Uzoechi O