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Rak-Su

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Rak-Su
OriginWatford, England
Years active2015–present
Labels
Members
  • Ashley Fongho
  • Jamaal Shurland
  • Myles Stephenson
Past members
  • Mustafa Rahimtulla
Websitewww.raksu-official.com

Rak-Su are an English R&B group, formed in Watford. In 2017, they won the fourteenth series of The X Factor, becoming the first male group to do so.[1] The group is made up of Ashley Fongho, Jamaal Shurland and Myles Stephenson; Mustafa Rahimtulla, left the group in November 2020. They finished 2022 with a headline slot at Seal Bay Resort in Selsey, United Kingdom.

"Dimelo", which features Naughty Boy and Wyclef Jean, was released as their winner's single, and marked the first time a winner's single was written by the winner. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number two, behind Ed Sheeran's "Perfect". Their self-titled debut extended play, Rak-Su, was released on 16 February 2018.

Career

[edit]

2016–2017: Formation and The X Factor

[edit]

Rak-Su are a four-piece group consisting of childhood friends Ashley Fongho, Jamaal Shurland, Myles Stephenson and Mustafa Rahimtulla, from Watford.[2] Fongho and Stephenson had been best friends since the age of 11, recording their freestyles together in their houses. Shurland emigrated from Barbados to Watford at the age of 12 and attended the same school with Stephenson and Rahimtulla.[3] Shurland and Rahimtulla began performing together at the age of 14, and Fongho met and began performing with Rahimtulla at age 16. In their early twenties, Fongho met Shurland at a party after hearing him sing, and the two began recording and performing together, with Stephenson and Rahimtulla attending their recording sessions and live performances. By 2016, the four had decided to form their own music group and soon decided to audition for The X Factor in hopes of gaining exposure for their original material.[4]

In 2017, Rak-Su auditioned for The X Factor in front of judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger. Following producers' earlier advice against singing their original material, they began performing "Señorita" by Justin Timberlake until they were stopped by Cowell, who was unimpressed and requested a different song. They then performed an original song called "I'm Feeling You", and received four "Yes" votes from the judges, who praised the group for their originality, and Cowell noted that they would not have passed their audition on their first song alone.

After the first bootcamp challenge, the group continued to perform their original material, reaching the six-chair challenge in the "Groups" category, mentored by Cowell. They passed the six-chair challenge with their original song "Change Your Mind" and after they performed their song "Palm Tree" at the judges houses' round in front of Cowell, and his assistant and former X Factor judge Cheryl. Cowell proceeded to put them through to the live shows.

During the live shows, they continued to perform mainly original material, with two cover versions with additional raps by Fongho and Stephenson. They were runners-up of the Prize Fight in week 1 against Grace Davies and week 2 against Kevin Davy White, and were eventually voted as winners of the Prize Fight in week 4 against Davies, leading to a songwriting session with American songwriter Ali Tamposi as the reward. With the eliminations of Jack & Joel in week 3, Sean and Conor Price in the quarter-final and The Cutkelvins in the semi-final, Rak-Su became Cowell's remaining act in the competition. They made it to the final on the weekend of 2 December 2017, alongside Davy White and Davies. After Davy White was eliminated on Saturday's show, they were in the top two with Davies and finished as the winners with over 50% of the public vote.

Rak-Su are the second group to win the show after Little Mix in 2011, and the only male group to win the show. On 3 December 2017, their winners' single was added to streaming services as well as being available for download immediately after the final, with profits going towards the charities Together for Short Lives and Shooting Star Chase. It placed at number 6 on the Official Singles Chart Update two days after the final. Four of their songs topped the iTunes chart during their run on the X Factor — "Mamacita", "Dimelo", "Mona Lisa" and "I'm Feeling You" - but were ineligible for the Official Chart and were not available on streaming services at that time. After the voting stats were revealed Rak-Su were the clear winners. They won every week, except for week 3 on Saturday, where they came 2nd when Kevin Davy White overtook them by a tight edge of 1% of the votes.

The X Factor performances and results
Show Song choice Theme Result
Auditions "Señorita" – Justin Timberlake/"I'm Feeling You" – Original song — Through to bootcamp round 1
Bootcamp Round 1 "24K Magic" – Bruno Mars (with Charlie Cammish, Riley Peters, Jack Morgan & New Dynamixx) Through to bootcamp round 2
Bootcamp Round 2 "Knock, Knock" – Original song Through to six-chair challenge
Six-chair challenge "Change Your Mind" - Original Song[5] Through to judges' houses
Judges' houses "Mamacita" – Original song/"Palm Tree" – Original song Through to live shows
Live show 1 "Mamacita" – Original song Express Yourself Safe (1st)
Live show 2 "Dimelo" – Original song Viva Latino Safe (1st)
Live show 3 "Faith" – George Michael George Michael Safe (2nd)
Quarter-Final "Mona Lisa" – Original song Crazy in Love Safe (1st)
Semi-Final "Flowers" – Sweet Female Attitude Cool Britannia Safe (1st)
"I'm Feeling You" – Original song Get Me to the Final Safe (1st)
Final "Mamacita" – Original song Free Choice Safe (1st)
"Dimelo" – Original song (with Naughty Boy & Wyclef Jean) Celebrity Duet/Winners Single
"Touché" – Original song Song to Win Winners (51.7%)
"Mona Lisa" – Original song Song of the Series

2018–present: Rak-Su EP, Rome EP, Lost Tour EP and Finally Free

[edit]

On 16 February 2018, they released a self-titled EP including the songs "Mamacita", "Dimelo", "Mona Lisa" and "I'm Feeling You". On 30 March 2018 they performed live on The X Factor Denmark with their single "Dimelo".[6] On 23 May 2018, it was announced that Rak-Su would support Little Mix on their Summer Hits Tour 2018. On 29 June 2018, they released "Pyro Ting" with Banx & Ranx. On 28 September 2018, Rak-Su released their new single "I Want You To Freak", with the official video released on 5 October 2018. On 6 October 2018, it was announced that Rak-Su will support Olly Murs on his You Know, I Know Tour in 2019. On 21 October 2018, Rak-Su returned to The X Factor to perform their new single "I Want You To Freak" on the first results show.

On 10 November 2018 it was announced that both Rak-Su and Little Mix parted ways with Syco Music, with the label stating that they would no longer work with Modest! Management, who manages both acts, and facilitating a transfer to RCA Records.[7] On 22 February 2019, they released their second EP, Rome. On 5 April 2019, Rak-Su released their new single "Yours or Mine". On 5 July 2019, they released their single "Rotate (Clockwise)". On 29 August 2019, it was reported that Rak-Su had been dropped from RCA due to lack of mainstream chart success.[citation needed]

On 8 November 2019, Rak-Su released their first single as independent artists, "La Bomba". On 6 December 2019, Rak-Su released the song "Girl". On 28 May 2020, Rak-Su released their X Factor Judges Houses song "Palm Trees" as a single. On 3 July 2020, Rak-Su released the song "Who Am I? (Black Lives Matter)" in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. On 6 November 2020, Rak-Su released the song "Girls Like You", featuring Celina Sharma. On 20 November 2020, Fongho, Shurland and Stephenson announced that Rahimtulla would be taking a hiatus from the group as a result of his mental health struggles. On 11 December 2020, Rak-Su released their first single as a temporary trio, "No Contest". On 3 January 2021, Fongho announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19.

On 22 January 2021, Rak-Su released the song "Left Right" featuring Donel. On 23 April 2021, Rak-Su released their third EP titled Lost Tour. Throughout 2021, Rak-Su appeared as featured artists on Romano's song "Tongue Tied" and Laidback Luke's song "Over & Over". On 12 August 2021, Rak-Su released the song "Statement" with Lenny Loso. On 10 September 2021, Rak-Su released their debut mixtape called Finally Free.

On 28 February 2022, Rak-Su announced that they would release the song "Temporary Love" with Tom Ferry and TWNTY24. The song was released on 4 March 2022. The song won't have vocals from Myles Stephenson on it because he had a sore throat at the time.

On 25 March 2022, Rak-Su provided vocals for the song "Just a Friend" with British DJ AJ Moreno.

On 6 August 2022, Rak-Su did a gig at Parkdean Camber Sands. However, it was unclear whether they would finish their gig as there was high possibility of police attending, clearing the venue, and arresting suspects of the prior night's serious incident, which resulted in a death.[8]

On 25 November 2022, Rak-Su released their new single, "Neymar".

On 17 July 2024, Rak-Su announced that they will release a song every week for the foreseeable. The first song was called "Role Play" released on the same day as the announcement.

On 24 July 2024, they released the song "Check for Me".

The song "Medina" was released on 1st August 2024.

On 7 August 2024, Rak-Su released the song "Close My Eyes".

On 15 August 2024, Rak-Su released the song "F With You".

On 14 October 2024, Rak-Su released the song "Masterpiece".

On 5 November 2024, Rak-Su released the song "Another Lover".

Members

[edit]
  • Ashley Fongho (2016–present)
  • Jamaal Shurland (2016–present)
  • Myles Stephenson (2016–present)
  • Mustafa Rahimtulla (2016–2020)

Fongho's boxing career

[edit]

Taylor vs Rak-Su

[edit]
Main article: Anthony Taylor vs Ashley Rak-Su

On 27 August 2022, it was announced that Fongho would make his professional boxing debut against American mixed martial artist Anthony Taylor on MF & DAZN: X Series 002 at the Sheffield Arena, in Sheffield, England on 15 October, under the alias "Ashley Rak-Su".[9] Taylor defeated Rak-Su via unanimous decision.[10]

Kenny vs Rak-Su

[edit]
Main article: King Kenny vs Ashley Rak-Su

On 14 January 2023, it was announced that Fongho would face British YouTuber King Kenny on X Series 005 in Milton Keynes, England on 25 February.[11] However, the bout was postponed to 4 March at the Telford International Centre in Telford, England due to clashes with Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury on the same date.[12] Rak-Su defeated Kenny via split decision.[13]

Rak-Su vs Halal Ham

[edit]
Main article: Ashley Rak-Su vs Halal Ham

On 30 August, it was announced that Fongho would face YouTuber Halal Ham on X Series 009 at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.[14] X Series 009 was originally scheduled to take place on 22 July in Berlin, Germany but was delayed for an unknown reason.[‡ 1] It was then pushed back to 14 October during the broadcast of X Series 008.[15] It was then brought forward after X Series – The Prime Card was announced for that date.[16] Rak-Su defeated Halal Ham via unanimous decision.[13]

Rak-Su vs Rosé

[edit]
Main article: Ashley Rak-Su vs OJ Rosé

On 20 December, it was announced that Fongho would face professional boxer OJ Rosé on X Series 12 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England.[‡ 2] Originally, it was announced that X Series 12 would take place on 4 November 2023 in Austin, Texas, but was delayed for an unknown reason.[‡ 3] Rosé drew with Rak-Su via split decision.[17]

Rak-Su vs Hamm

[edit]
Main article: Ashley Rak-Su vs Tristan Hamm

On 20 August 2024, it was announced that Fongho would face Tristan Hamm on X Series 18 at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.[18] On 13 September, it was announced that if the bout was to go the distance without a winner declared, there would be a fifth round of three minutes added to the bout. If that round was to be scored a draw, the scorecards of the video panel judges may be referred to alongside the ringside judges.[19] Rak-Su defeated Hamm via majority decision.

Professional boxing record

[edit]
4 fights 2 wins 1 loss
By decision 2 1
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
5 Win 3–1–1 Tristan Hamm MD 4/4 14 Sept 2024 Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle, England MF-professional bout
4 Draw 2–1–1 OJ Rosé SD 4 20 Jan 2024 First Direct Arena, Leeds, England MF-professional bout
3 Win 2–1 Halal Ham MD 3 23 Sep 2023 Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle, England MF-professional bout
2 Win 1–1 King Kenny SD 4 4 Mar 2023 Telford International Centre, Telford, England MF-professional bout
1 Loss 0–1 Anthony Taylor UD 3 15 Oct 2022 Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England MF-professional bout

Stephenson: I'm a Celebrity & Misfits Boxing

[edit]

I'm a Celebrity

[edit]

Stephenson appeared on the 19th series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2019, where he came 7th.

Results and elimination

[edit]
  Indicates that the celebrity was immune from the vote.
  Indicates that the celebrity received the second fewest votes and was eliminated after being in the bottom two.
  Indicates that the celebrity was named as being in the bottom two.
Daily results per celebrity[citation needed]
Celebrity Day 13 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21 Day 22[20] Trials Dingo
Dollar
challenges
Round 1 Round 2
Myles Immune Safe Safe Safe Safe Placed 7th Eliminated
(Day 19) 		6 2
Notes 1, 2 None
Notes
[edit]
  • ^Note 1: The celebrities competed in a series of challenges to become "uncursed" and earn immunity. Ian Wright, James Haskell and Myles became immune by the end of the challenges.
  • ^Note 2: All app votes were voided for this elimination, as a result of a wording error; only phone votes were counted.

Stephenson's boxing career

[edit]
Main article: Myles Rak-Su vs DTG

On 20 December 2023, it was announced that Stephenson would face rapper DTG on X Series 12, the same card as Fongho.[‡ 2] DTG defeated Rak-Su via corner retirement.[17]

Professional boxing record

[edit]
1 fight 0 wins 1 loss
By knockout 0 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Loss 0–1 DTG RTD 2 (4), 3:00 20 Jan 2024 First Direct Arena, Leeds, England MF-professional bout

Discography

[edit]

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details
Dive
Rak-Su
Rome
Lost Tour

Mixtapes

[edit]
Title Details
Finally Free

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
UK
[21] 		IRE
[22] 		SCO
[23]
"Flights"[24] 2016 — — — Non-album singles
"Last Night"[25]
(with Charles Dixon) 		— — —
"Dimelo"
(featuring Wyclef Jean and Naughty Boy) 		2017 2 29 2
"Pyro Ting"[27]
(with Banx & Ranx) 		2018 — — —
"I Want You to Freak"[28] 39 82
[29]		 17
"Yours or Mine" 2019 — — —
"Rotate (Clockwise)" — — —
"La Bomba" — — —
"Girl" — — —
"Palm Trees" 2020 — — —
"Who Am I? (Black Lives Matter)" — — —
"Girls Like You"
(featuring Celina Sharma) 		— — — Lost Tour
"No Contest" — — —
"Left Right"
(featuring Donel) 		2021 — — —
"Tongue Tied"
(with Romano) 		— — — Non-album single
"Statement"
(with Lenny Loso) 		— — — Finally Free
"Over & Over"[30]
(with Laidback Luke) 		— — — Non-album singles
"Temporary Love"
(with Tom Ferry and TWNTY24) 		2022 — — —
"Just a Friend"
(with AJ Moreno) 		— — —
"Neymar" — — —
"Role Play" 2024 — — — Close Your Eyes
"Check For Me" — — —
"Medina" — — —
"Close Your Eyes" — — —
"F With You" — — — TBA
"Masterpiece" — — —
"Another Lover" — — —
"Translate" — — —
"—" denotes a single that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Guest appearances

[edit]
Title Year Artist(s) Album
"No Tally" 2021 Tom Ferry, Embody Shapes

Concert tours

[edit]

Headlining

[edit]
  • Rak-Su - The Scenic Route Tour (2019)
  • Rak-Su (2021)

Supporting

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Misfits Boxing (8 February 2023). "Misfits Boxing: 𝗚𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 🌍". Twitter.
  2. ^ a b Misfits Boxing (20 December 2023). "Full undercard confirmation ahead of another EXPLOSIVE night of action, in Leeds on January 20th 🔥". Twitter.
  3. ^ Misfits Boxing (8 February 2023). "Misfits Boxing: 𝗚𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 🌍". Twitter.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Rak-Su: Boy band beat Grace Davies to win X Factor 2017". BBC News. 3 December 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  2. ^ Bley Griffiths, Eleanor. "Who are Rak-Su? Meet The X Factor 2017 group who are killing it with their original songs". Radio Times. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  3. ^ "Barbadian X Factor winner and Rihanna went to the same school | Loop News". Loopnewsbarbados.com. 5 December 2017. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  4. ^ "Rak-Su on 'Pyro Ting', forming the group, X Factor, Quick Fire Questions: Media Spotlight UK". YouTube. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  5. ^ Warner, Sam (14 October 2017). "X Factor's Simon chooses his Six Chair Challenge Groups". Digital Spy.
  6. ^ "De hitter verden over: X Factor får besøg af britiske superstjerner". 27 March 2018.
  7. ^ "Little Mix split from X Factor boss Simon Cowell's record label days before new album release". Digital Spy. 10 November 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  8. ^ "Camber Sands: Six arrested after holiday park death". BBC News. 6 August 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  9. ^ Christ, Scott (15 September 2022). "Vitor Belfort vs Hasim Rahman Jr fight postponed, MF x DAZN card on Oct. 15 set otherwise". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  10. ^ "Anthony Taylor vs. Ashley Tebi, MF & DAZN X Series 2 | Boxing Bout". Tapology. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  11. ^ Astbury, Matt (14 January 2022). "What channel is Jay Swingler vs. Nicholai Perrett? Live stream info, start time, how to watch on DAZN". Dazn. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  12. ^ Happy Punch Promotions (26 January 2023). "🚨 Misfits 005 has been rescheduled to Sat March 4th, according to the official @DAZNBoxing website". Twitter.
  13. ^ a b Montoya, Erika (4 March 2023). "MF & DAZN: X-Series 005: Jay Swingler takes win in emotional fight with NichLmao". DAZN New.
  14. ^ Walker, Christopher (30 August 2023). "Idris Virgo vs. Aaron Chalmers headlines MF & DAZN: X Series 009 in Newcastle". DAZN.
  15. ^ Robson, Shay (23 July 2023). "Misfits Boxing teases KSI vs Fury & Logan Paul vs Dillon Danis for Series 009 mega-card". Dexerto.
  16. ^ "KSI vs Tommy Fury: YouTuber to fight unbeaten boxer in Manchester". Sky News. 30 July 2023.
  17. ^ a b Schuller, Rudi (20 January 2024). ""Mystery Opponent" Luis Pineda makes quick work of Ed Matthews at MF & DAZN: X Series 012". DAZN.
  18. ^ Martin, Damon (20 August 2024). "Benson Henderson vs. Chris Avila booked for 1-night tournament at Misfits Boxing 18". MMA Fighting.
  19. ^ Hamm, Tristan (13 September 2024). "Tristan HAMM on X: "Signed. IMPOSSIBLE FOR A DRAW. There will ..." X. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  20. ^ "Your 2019 Final Voting Results".
  21. ^ "Rak-Su | full Official Chart history". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  22. ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts, Week Ending 15 Dec 2017". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  23. ^ Peak chart positions for singles in Scotland:
  24. ^ "Flights - Single by Rak-Su on Apple Music". iTunes (UK). 2 March 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  25. ^ "Last Night - Single by Charles Dixon & Rak-Su on Apple Music". iTunes (UK). 24 November 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  26. ^ "British certifications – Rak-Su". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 19 March 2023. Type Rak-Su in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  27. ^ "Pyron Ting - Single by Rak-Su & Banx & Ranx on Apple Music". iTunes (UK). 29 June 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  28. ^ "I Want You to Freak - Single by Rak-Su on Apple Music". iTunes (UK). 28 September 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  29. ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  30. ^ "Over & Over - Single by Laidback Luke & Rak-Su on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  31. ^ Houghton, Rianne (5 March 2018). "X Factor Winners Rak-Su Will Support Little Mix On Their Summer Hits Tour Later This Year". Digital Spy. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  32. ^ Murs, Olly (12 October 2018). "A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has already bought tickets for my 2019 tour. General tickets are ON SALE NOW! See you all next year and BRING YOUR MOVES!!". Twitter.com.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Winner of The X Factor
2017 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Winner's singles of The X Factor
Dimelo 		Succeeded by
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