Craig David

Celebrates 22 years in music with a new single, Who You Are, and album

- By Kim Abrahams

His eighth studio album will mark more than two decades in music for the Grammy-nominated hitmaker. The album, titled 22, is set for release in May and while Craig promises it will carry his signature R&B sound, its lead track, Who You Are, offers a pop feel. YOU caught up with the 40-year-old to find out more.

You worked with fellow Brit MNEK on Who You Are. How did that collab come about?

MNEK and I have worked together over many years, but in terms of singing together this was the first time. We were writing the song and he sang the chorus and I was like, “Wow. Do you know what you just sang, my man?”

I was taken aback by it. I then finished the verses and next thing you know we had this record. It just feels like it comes from a deeper place than just a record for the clubs or one you play for a period of time. It feels timeless in the essence of what it’s trying to say.

What was it like switching from writ­ing together to singing together?