Q&A: MANSO̶U̶R̶, The Rising Star From The Heart of Paris
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY NTHATILE MAVUSO ☆
WITH NEAT KUT, MANSO̶U̶R̶ CONTINUES TO REFINE HIS SONIC IDENTITY, BALANCING INFECTIOUS, CLUB-READY ENERGY WITH MOMENTS OF STARK VULNERABILITY. It’s a release that reinforces his standing as one of the most exciting new voices pushing rap and electronic music forward.
Paris-born artist, producer, and creative MANSO̶U̶R̶ delivered his A-side NEAT kUT, a release that captures both his bold, high-energy side and his deeper, more introspective edge. “WHY NOT” delivers a shimmering, glitchy 2-step production that sets the stage for REEM and 00ab to bounce bards off each other with undeniable chemistry, while “PARIS!” shifts into a glassy, nocturnal space with Rxlls’ reflective verses over simple, yet sharp production. Together, the two tracks shift between moods, but share the same instinctive, pure spirit that defines MANSO̶U̶R̶’s artistry.
The Parisian artist has built a reputation as both an eclectic DJ and a versatile producer, his energy quickly earning him placements across high-fashion houses like Jean Paul Gaultier, Axel Arigato, Nike, and Adidas. His musical catalog has only re-emphasized his boundless creativity, with collaborations alongside BXKS, Len, Sam Wise, and Odunsi (The Engine), as well as critical support from major outlets such as Wonderland and Crack Magazine.
Luna sat down with MANSO̶U̶R̶ to dive into the making of the project, his cross-cultural influences, and what’s next on his journey.
LUNA: What drew you to the idea of a double A-side single, and how do these songs, “WHY NOT” and “PARIS!,” reflect two sides of who you are right now?
MANSO̶U̶R̶: It just felt natural. I create based on expression and how I feel. That’s why I released this project with these two tracks. At first, it wasn’t supposed to drop, but my friends suggested it, so I said, why not? I was in a transition in my personal life, dealing with some issues, and making music was the best way to work through them. “WHY NOT” and “PARIS!” are reflections of me. One is more raw, and the other is more rooted and personal.
LUNA: That’s great. I love how you spoke about transitioning through different phases in your life. You started out as a DJ before moving into production and music. As a solo artist, how did that journey shape the way you create and present music now?
MANSO̶U̶R̶: We’re all transitioning. Everyone goes through conflicts that they have to solve. For me, these songs are therapy. All the music I make is therapy. DJing taught me everything. Without it, I wouldn’t see music the way I do now. When you DJ, you don’t just play tracks—you have to read the energy of the room and create moments. DJing gave me the understanding I needed to approach production with a unique perspective.
LUNA: You also mentioned growing up in an Algerian and Guinean household in Paris, which is a distinct experience, especially as a person of color. How do your roots influence your approach to music, creativity, and storytelling?
MANSO̶U̶R̶: Everything. I was raised by my mom and grandmother. That shaped my entire outlook. As a kid, you’re a sponge, exposed to so much. I absorbed sounds, values, and stories, especially from an African household. Those became my foundation. It taught me I can do anything, mix anything, and be limitless. My family also wasn’t just in Paris—I have Guinean family in London. Going there two or three years ago taught me a lot and pushed me to move things forward. Seeing my friends producing motivated me to stay quiet, learn, and grow. That played a big role in shaping me.
LUNA: You’ve mentioned the crossover between London and Paris. You’ve worked in both music and fashion in these cities. How do those cultural crossovers influence your creativity?
MANSO̶U̶R̶: The cities are close and similar—we just speak different languages. For me, it wasn’t a big deal. Both have Fashion Week, and both have amazing music. Growing up, I thought I had to go overseas, especially to the States, to succeed. But now, looking at the charts, the UK and Europe are producing incredible artists. Working with people like Len or BXKS, I can see their star power even in small rooms. Neither of the cities lacks anything.
LUNA: You’ve worked with people like REEM, 00ab, and Lamsi. What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you know someone is the right person to work with?
MANSO̶U̶R̶: For me, it’s about energy first, not just the song. Human connection is everything in creating. The artists I connect with— BXKS, Lamsi, Rxlls, 00ab—they stay true to themselves, they feel deeply, and we push each other forward. You can’t fake that energy—you know instantly when it’s off.
LUNA: You’ve said “WHY NOT” is infectious and loud, while “PARIS!” is more introspective. How did you balance these different sounds so they feel like one project?
MANSO̶U̶R̶: Honestly, there was no process. I made the track with Rxlls, years ago, and “WHY NOT” was just for fun—we wanted to make something that would fit in a rave. I’d never even been to one, but I told him we should try. The songs weren’t meant to be a project, but when my friends heard them, they encouraged me to put them together.
LUNA: How do you feel the songs work together so they don’t contrast too much?
MANSO̶U̶R̶: It’s about rhythm, like movie scenes. Are you more of a playlist listener or an album listener?
LUNA: I like albums a lot.
MANSO̶U̶R̶: Me too. I love storytelling. When I listen to an album, I reflect and immerse myself in it. That’s what I aim for in my projects. Even if it’s just two songs, I see it as a film or a TV episode. If you listen closely, you’ll feel the difference.
LUNA: That’s a beautiful way to think about it. Speaking of storytelling, the video for “WHY NOT” has a DIY vibe, very spontaneous. How important is visual storytelling to you, and what were you trying to communicate with this video?
MANSO̶U̶R̶: I call them movies, not music videos. Every film I make reflects how I feel at the moment. They’re prepared, not random, but they’re about expressing myself. The DIY aspect comes from the independent grind. If someone can’t show up, I have to learn to do it myself. That’s powerful. You can teach yourself skills—Photoshop, editing, even CapCut on TikTok—to make something great. I will forever appreciate the DIY thing, and I will never leave it.
LUNA: What's next in your future?
MANSO̶U̶R̶: I just dropped a new music video for “PARIS!”. In terms of the next move, all I can say is I am working on a longer project. I don’t know what it’s going to be yet — maybe an album, maybe a mixtape – but it’s definitely going to be something. For now, it’s just about keeping on grinding until I get to do everything I want to do.
