How a Watford boy band rewrote the rules of talent show success
In short: In 2017, Rak-Su achieved what no other male group had done on The X Factor. By performing original material instead of standard covers, they challenged industry norms and secured a victory driven by the public vote, proving that authenticity could triumph over the traditional path to stardom.
Formed by childhood friends in Watford—Ashley Fongho, Jamaal Shurland, and Myles Stephenson—Rak-Su entered The X Factor in 2017 with a defiant musical strategy. While producers initially advised them to sing covers, the group insisted on performing their own compositions. Their risk succeeded at the audition; having failed with a Justin Timberlake track, they sang 'I'm Feeling You' to secure four 'Yes' votes from Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, and Nicole Scherzinger.
The group's victory was marked by several historical firsts. They became the first male group to win the fourteenth series of the show, and their winner's single, 'Dimelo' (featuring Naughty Boy and Wyclef Jean), was the first to be written by the winners themselves. The single entered the UK Singles Chart at number two, narrowly missing the top spot behind Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect.'
Their journey has seen significant shifts in structure and industry standing. Originally a four-piece including Mustafa Rahimtulla, the group transitioned to a trio in November 2020 after Rahimtulla took a hiatus due to mental health struggles. After being dropped by RCA Records in August 2019 due to a lack of mainstream chart success, the group transitioned to working as independent artists, releasing music such as 'La Bomba' in late 2019.
Despite the volatility of the music industry, Rak-Su has remained prolific. From their 2018 self-titled debut EP to a 2024 announcement to release a new song every week, the group continues to navigate the complexities of modern R&B and pop music.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Rak-Su
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