Skepta on New Album The Fork and Knife and Racist Right Anger 2026

Skepta, the influential grime artist, has spoken out against the racist right and ignorance towards immigration in a new interview ahead of his album The Fork and Knife. The 44-year-old rapper, whose real name is Joseph Adenuga, described such ignorance as “horrible” and “not British,” highlighting his growing sense of responsibility as a public figure.

The interview, published in a major UK outlet, coincides with the release of his long-awaited album, which arrives 33 months after it was first announced. Skepta, who has been multitasking across music, fashion, film, and festivals, admits the album has been “winding me up” but believes it delivers what fans want.

Skepta’s Conscious Shift and New Album

Skepta has always been a serious person, wary of fools and time-wasters. In the interview, he emphasizes the importance of focus, perhaps because he’s often balancing multiple ventures: his music career, his fashion label Mains, film-making and acting (his debut short Tribal Mark came out in 2024), his Big Smoke festival, and a house music project, Más Tiempo.

Now 44, Skepta isn’t just grappling with the rap elder’s struggle of how to stay relevant in middle age, but also the impact his words carry. He seems newly attached to the idea of being a “conscious” rapper, and more mindful than ever of his past missteps. “I can’t be perfect,” he says, “But I can be conscious.”

This shift is significant for an artist who has often been at the center of controversy. As he notes, the mums of his children’s friends are going to hear what he’s spitting about on the radio while they’re all doing the school run—a reminder that his words reach beyond his core audience.

Why This Matters: Immigration, Racism, and British Identity

Skepta’s comments on immigration and the racist right come at a time when the topic remains highly charged in the UK. By calling ignorance towards immigration “horrible” and “not British,” Skepta is challenging narrow definitions of national identity and pushing back against xenophobia.

His stance is particularly notable given his status as a Black British artist of Nigerian descent. Skepta has long been a voice for multicultural Britain, and his willingness to speak out reinforces his role as a cultural commentator, not just a musician.

The timing also aligns with the album’s themes. The Fork and Knife is expected to explore personal and political subjects, and Skepta’s heightened consciousness suggests the record will reflect his evolved perspective.

Who Is Affected and What to Watch Next

Skepta’s comments will resonate with fans who have followed his journey from grime pioneer to multifaceted artist. They also matter to broader audiences concerned with racism and immigration discourse in the UK.

As Skepta prepares to release The Fork and Knife, all eyes will be on how these themes manifest in his music. The album’s reception could influence his legacy and set a tone for other artists navigating similar issues. The background to this story is set out in Native James: Gloriously Boisterous Grime-Metal Artist. A related thread runs through How Grime Became Theatre: A Life-Changing Journey at Royal Court. Earlier coverage in Celebrity: latest articles shows how the argument developed.

Moreover, Skepta’s involvement in fashion, film, and festivals means his influence extends beyond music. His conscious approach may inspire younger artists to speak out on social issues, potentially shifting the landscape of British rap. A closer look at the same subject appears in Trump Midterm Rally Bigotry: The Bottomless Depths of His Rhetoric. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Shola Ameobi on Racism, Resilience and Newcastle Legacy. The same theme surfaces in Patrick Stewart's Star Trek Legacy: A Hopeful Vision of Humanity, which takes a different angle.

Key Takeaways from Skepta’s Interview

• Skepta condemns ignorance towards immigration as “horrible” and “not British,” taking a stand against the racist right.
• His new album, The Fork and Knife, is out next week after a 33-month wait.
• Skepta, now 44, is embracing a more “conscious” approach to his lyrics and public statements.
• He balances music with fashion (Mains), film (Tribal Mark), his Big Smoke festival, and house project Más Tiempo.
• The interview highlights his awareness of his influence, from school-run mums to global fans.

Skepta’s Multifaceted Career at a Glance

Skepta’s ability to juggle these roles while maintaining a clear message is part of what makes him a unique figure in British culture. As he puts it, “I think I’ve actually made something here that is what the people want from me.” Context on how this played out before sits in RFK Jr Faces Backlash Over Racist Arab Remarks at Michigan Rally.

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