Skepta announces his first studio album in three years

02 January 2024, 11:34 | Written by Tyler Damara Kelly

(News)

(Skepta)

Taking to his socials yesterday morning (1 January), Skepta has announced his return with a brand new album to be released later this year.

"It’s been years since I dropped my last album and I want to thank you for all the love during my hiatus," he wrote. "I’ve seen the messages, tweets and Tik Toks, I’m truly grateful that my music is still resonating with the world even in my absence."

His forthcoming album, Knife And Fork, is the follow-up to 2019's Ignorance Is Bliss. Last month, Skepta and Jammer unveiled Màs Tiempo's first ever collaborative EP.

It’s been years since I dropped my last album and I want to thank you for all the love during my hiatus. I’ve seen the messages, tweets and Tik Toks, I’m truly grateful that my music is still resonating with the world even in my absence.
I’m happy to announce my next studio…
— Big Smoke - (@Skepta) January 1, 2024

The news precedes the announcement of the inaugural Big Smoke Festival, which will be the only opportunity to see Skepta perform in the UK in 2024. The Mercury Prize winner will curate two stages at Crystal Palace Park, bringing a star-studded multi-genre lineup of global artists alongside his own live set.

"Gas Me Up (Diligent)", the lead single from the forthcoming album, will be released on 26 January via Big Smoke Records.