The wait is almost over. Skepta, the Mercury Prize-winning godfather of modern grime, releases The Fork and Knife on 6 November 2026. It is his first solo album in seven years, and he has said he poured his heart into it.
The Fork and Knife at a glance
- Release date: Friday, 6 November 2026
- Labels: Big Smoke and Epic Records
- Album number: his sixth studio album
- Previous solo album: Ignorance Is Bliss (2019)
- Formats: digital, CD, double vinyl and a crystal-clear 2LP
- Includes: Gas Me Up (Diligent), first released in 2024
The sound
According to the official description, the album moves between grime, garage, house, jungle and electronic music, reflecting decades Skepta has spent in sound systems, clubs and raves. In recent years he has also released electronic music under the name Más Tiempo, and he made the 2025 EP Skepta .. Fred with Fred again.
The themes
Identity runs through the record. Skepta, the London-born son of Nigerian parents, explores what it means to be British and Nigerian at once, and treats the diaspora experience as a source of strength rather than struggle. He has said the album started as a simple London story, grew into the story of an immigrant child, and in its final stages took on the patriarchal systems many people grow up inside. The visual world draws on 1980s Nigerian-British imagery, football culture and the history of the Windrush generation.
The rollout
Skepta has released a run of singles this year, including Innocent Smile with Chase & Status and Suggs, Chipple with Aya Nakamura and DANGER DANGER with Dom Dolla and Solomun. Reports differ on which, if any, will appear on the final tracklist, which had not been revealed at the time of writing. He previewed several new songs during his Reading Festival set in August.
Skepta in India
Indian fans will get to hear the new album live. Skepta plays Rolling Loud India on 12 December 2026, billed as his first and only India appearance, on a Day 1 lineup with Burna Boy and Metro Boomin. Lineup at https://mediamarvels.in/blog/rolling-loud-india-2026-lineup-burna-boy-metro-boomin.
Why Skepta matters
- Konnichiwa (2016) won the Mercury Prize and took grime to a global audience.
- He has worked across borders, from Wizkid and Drake to Playboi Carti.
- He was nominated at the 68th Grammy Awards for his work on Victory Lap.
Desi hip-hop has a strong connection to UK grime and drill. See the Indian rappers rising this year at https://mediamarvels.in/blog/regional-indian-artists-to-know-2026.
Skepta The Fork and Knife: FAQs
When is Skepta's new album out? Friday, 6 November 2026.
What is Skepta's new album called? The Fork and Knife.
When was Skepta's last solo album? Ignorance Is Bliss, in 2019.
What is The Fork and Knife about? Nigerian-British identity, growing up as an immigrant child in London, and challenging patriarchy.
Is Skepta performing in India? Yes, at Rolling Loud India on 12 December 2026.
Rapper with a new project on the way? Build your hype before release day. Promote your music on Media Marvels at https://mediamarvels.in/promote.
Image: A vinyl record on a turntable. Photo via Wikimedia Commons, used under its free licence.
