Today, one of British rap’s most introspective lyricists, Knucks, releases his sophomore album A Fine African Man, out now via ADA  – featuring the previously released singles “Cut Knuckles,” “Gold Tooth” (feat. Blaqbonez), and “Nkita” (feat. Fimiguerrero

Following his breakthrough with Alpha Place – hailed as a contemporary British rap classic – Knucks returns with a body of work that is both deeply personal and culturally expansive. Where Alpha Place told the story of growing up in North West London, A Fine African Man broadens the lens, guiding listeners through themes of identity, masculinity, and duality across his life between London and Nigeria.

Built on warm soul samples and African-inspired rhythms, the album is grounded in heritage yet global in perspective. It tells a relatable story of life as a diasporan navigating the cultural shifts after moving to Nigeria during his most formative years. Knucks reframes his journey through moments of intimacy, tradition, and reflection, creating a project that is not only timely but deeply essential 

Tracks like “Masquerade” open the record with symbolism and defiance, Knucks confronting inherited taboos and cultural fear in a track that feels both ritualistic and rebellious. The emotional centre comes with “My Name Is My Name”, where he reclaims his Nigerian name Afamefuna, turning past shame into a declaration of pride and legacy.

On ‘Pure Water’, Knucks reflects on his time at  boarding school in Nigeria, delivering a confident full-circle moment rooted in cultural pride. “Yam Porridge” (feat. Tiwa Savage) offers a soulful, intimate tribute to the women who sustain families through care and resilience, while “Friends?” (feat. Tyler Daley) dissects the blurred lines of modern relationships with wit and vulnerability.

Speaking on the album, Knucks says: “A Fine African Man, or AFAM. The Igbo name given to me by my family. Afamefuna: ‘May my name not be forgotten.’ This project is two years in the making. Two years of writing, thinking, living. Long nights in studios from London, to Jamaica to Nigeria. I see this one as a continuation of Alpha Place—another side of who I am. I’m born and raised in London, but so much of who I am is because of my Nigerian heritage and the time I spent there during one of the most pivotal years of my life.

This project explores the dualities of a kid born and raised in London, who is also very much Nigerian, very much an African man. I was interested in what those two worlds could sound like on wax, since I’m a product of both. I hope this project lives with you in the same way you lived with Alpha Place.”

Listen/ Stream A Fine African Man

A Fine African Man Tracklist

• My Name Is My Name
• Goldtooth (feat. Blaqbonez)
• No Shaking (feat. Phyno)
• Yam Porridge (feat. Tiwa Savage)
• Pure Water
• Nwanne
• Container
• Nkita (feat. Fimiguerro)
• Palm Wine
• Friends? (feat. Tyler Daley)
• Are You Okay?
• Cut Knuckles

About Knucks

Dubbed by GQ as “Britain’s most progressive rapper,” platinum-selling rapper and producer Knucks has become one of UK rap’s most vital storytellers, amassing over 1.2B streams in 184 countries as a fully independent artist.

Renowned for razor-sharp lyricism and cinematic vision, his catalog blends classic hip-hopstorytelling with references that span global culture—from the MOBO-winning “Home” (asearing reflection on knife crime in London) to “Leon the Professional,” “Los Pollos Hermanos,”and nods to Pulp Fiction and South Korea’s Itaewon Class as vessels to reframe contemporary Black British life and the diaspora experience.

Beyond music, Knucks’ influence extends across culture. He has worked with brands as diverse as Flannels, Jordan, Free the Youth, Givenchy, Arsenal, Aries, and Daily Paper; collaborated with Stormzy, Loyle Carner, Lancey Foux, Wretch 32, Larry June, K-Trap, and La Fève; and made his TV debut on Later… with Jools Holland. On stage, his critically acclaimed performances have spanned Reading & Leeds’ Main Stage, Glastonbury, Wireless, a sold-out US tour, and a landmark KOKO headline joined by Stormzy and SL.