X Factor winners Rak-Su sign with Champions Music & Entertainment ahead of new album and UK tour

X Factor winners 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 have 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.

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 say they are also working on a new style of music which is “like nothing anyone else is doing in the UK right now”.

Ashley 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. 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’ time 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.”

Jamaal 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.”

Myles 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 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. 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 Myles and Ashley who still live in Hertfordshire and Jamaal, who is now based in Scotland. They rose to national prominence after winning the fourteenth 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 50% of the public vote.

Known for their feel-good sound, Rak-Su blend catchy hooks, rhythmic melodies and relatable storytelling to create music that connects strongly with audiences. Their winners’ single Dimelo, featuring Naughty Boy and Wyclef Jean, was the first X Factor winners’ single written by the contestants themselves and reached number two on the Official UK Singles Chart, just behind Perfect by Ed Sheeran.

Since then, the group have achieved another Top 40 single, five iTunes number ones and amassed over 100 million streams and views across platforms. They have also supported Little Mix on their Summer Hits Tour in 2018 and joined Olly Murs on his You Know, I Know Tour in 2019.

In 2026, Rak-Su is building towards the release of their debut album in January 2027 while continuing to bring their infectious energy to stages across the UK, reinforcing their reputation as one of the country’s most exciting feel-good pop acts.