X Factor winners Rak-Su are planning to release a new album and embark on a UK tour, marking a major new chapter ahead of the 10th anniversary of their rise to fame on The X Factor.
The trio, Ashley Fongho, Jamaal Shurland and Myles Stephenson, are currently writing and recording a brand-new album, set for release in January 2027.
The project will centre on a bold new creative direction inspired by the theme Make Britain Dream Again, with songs rooted in real-life stories from across the UK.
The band has signed a new deal with Champions Music and Entertainment as they prepare an extensive UK tour, with a focus on intimate venues to allow closer connections with audiences across the country.
Ashley Fongho, Jamaal Shurland and Myles Stephenson
|GETTY
Drawing on experiences from families and individuals facing significant challenges, the album aims to shine a light on often unheard voices, from children battling serious illness to grassroots campaigns driving awareness and change.
The trio says they are also working on a new style of music, which is “like nothing anyone else is doing in the UK right now”.
Mr Fongho said: “Since winning The X Factor, we’ve all grown up, our music has matured, and so has our outlook on life.
"What we’d like to do is release music and songs about some of the battles real people are facing out there.
Rak-Su are back with a brand new album
|PA
"We read and are in touch with a lot of families going through all sorts of different struggles, and we’d like to use our music to support them and spread awareness.
"I would like to think that in 10 years, we would have had a significant impact on well over 100 people and families.
"And if by that point we have multiple albums out there that are people’s go-to music, music that helps people feel seen, heard, and understood, and allows them to smile through difficult situations, that would be a good 10 years.”
Meanwhile, Mr Shurland said: “We’re really excited about the idea of going on tour. We’d like to be more present and focus on concerts in more intimate venues, like 30 or 40 dates where we get to go all around the country.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- Love Is Blind UK stars raise welfare complaints as show under fire amid Married at First Sight saga
- I went to Clarkson's Farm-Fest - here's an honest review of what went right and what went wrong - Alex Davies
- James May flooded with support as he announces family death: 'Didn't know I could feel such grief!'
Rak-Su will be hitting the road with their 10th anniversary tour in 2027
|RAK SU
And Mr Stephenson said: “We’re really excited about signing with Champions. This is the start of a new chapter for us as people and as a band, and I’m convinced the best is yet to come.
"We’re busy creating a new sound and a new type of music which we believe is totally unique. It’s not like anything anyone else is doing right now. And we hope our fans will love it and that it will also attract a new wave of fans to enjoy our music."
The announcement marks a significant milestone for the group as they build momentum towards 2027, combining a refreshed musical direction with a renewed focus on storytelling and connection.
Joe Burton, senior agent at Champions Music said: “We’re delighted to have Rak-Su sign exclusively to the Champions family.
Simon Cowell mentored the band on The X Factor
| GETTY"We’re very excited to see how their journey progresses and for what the future holds for this extremely talented trio.”
Formed in Watford, Herts, Rak-Su are made up of childhood friends Mr Stephenson and Mr Fongho who still live in Hertfordshire and Mr Shurland, who is now based in Scotland.
They rose to national prominence after winning the 14th series of The X Factor in 2017, becoming the first boy band to win the show and only the second group after Little Mix.
Mentored by Simon Cowell, they triumphed in the final against Grace Davies with over half of the public vote.