For OSCAM'S second art exhibition in their new location, Patta curators Violette Esmeralda (head of photography) and Lee Stuart (brand director) have selected a variety of artists from Gilleam Trapenberg, Wes Mapes, Stacii Samidin, Serana Angelista, Shertise Solano, JeanPaul Paula to Dion Rosina. The show has closed due to COVID-19 safety measures, but we still feel you should get to know all participating artists. Next up: JeanPaul Paula. JeanPaul, as a quick introduction to our readers, who are you and how would you describe your art? My name is JeanPaul Paula I would say it’s a conversation on masculinity that I'm having with myself. How did your relationship with art begin? Music, movies, video games, fashion and anime. Born in the 80s i grew obsessed with TV and visual culture. It shaped the way I look at the world and myself.
How would you place your art in our current social/ political landscape? As a BLACK GAY MAN my voice is secondary and people like me are being murdered and silenced daily. Existing, being visible and using my voice are all forms of protest against the status quo that is the heteronormative white world that we live in now. What do you feel an artist needs to add on a cultural level? If you're not in one way or the other trying to be part of the solution with some of the big problems we have in the world when it comes to racism misogyny and the environment, you're part of the problem. What messages are you trying to convey to your audience through your art? There is a reason why we are where we are at now, let's take a good look at ourselves and do better. Please explain your creative process. Education, Open a dialog, Fight myself and Others, Produce/ Create and repeat. What is the hardest part of being an artist? What part is the most rewarding? The hardest is getting to the point where you are proud enough of yourself (being your own worst critic). The most rewarding is the orgasmic feeling of pride when a job, work, process is done. What advice would you give to young artists trying to find their voice? A lot of people talk about what they want to do and never do anything. Trying, doing, failing doesn’t mean death just dust yourself off and do it again. How has your history of working with Patta been so far? Being able to be myself and never having to tone myself down has been my relationship with Patta. Being black and Gay has closed allot of doors especially in the Macho culture that runs street wear culture. Patta has always welcomed me with open arms and respected me for me. Can you tell us a little about the intention behind your work on view in the OSCAM exhibition, and how it came to life? Why do black people believe in a book that was given to them by white people? I have a hard time understanding how religion has shaped black culture. Especially when you look at how colonialism and slavery has shaped the world. This is my baby brother, my fathers youngest son and his path between being a saint and the choices put before young children to choose a path or go astray.
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Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Adam ZMMeet MANSO̶U̶R̶, the rising star making waves with his new psychedelic EP ‘not disturb’ featuring Sam Wise, Kadiata, El Londo and Rxlls. From spinning sets for big names like JEAN PAUL GAULTIER and NIKE to crafting his own sound, MANSO̶U̶R̶ is bridging the gap between Paris and London’s underground scenes. Raised in an Algerian and Guinean household in Paris, he soaked up rich cultural influences that shaped his eclectic style. At just 21, this esteemed DJ blends hip-hop, jazz, and electronic vibes, creating infectious energy on stage. As he continues to rise, his DIY spirit and creative edge are positioning him as one of the most exciting new voices in the game. Let’s dive into his journey and the sounds driving his artistry!Congratulations on your brand-new EP 'not disturb'. Can you walk us through the creative process and collaboration behind it? What were your inspirations and what do you want listeners to take away from it?My inspiration behind it was honestly just everyday life, you know. All these same questions we all ask ourselves — “not disturb“ is based on real-life experiences. It's about recognizing and handling our emotions in a mindful way. People often fear their emotions, but to me now, it’s fine —you can’t escape who you are. It’s also about knowing when and how to step back from the noise, to protect your own peace and mental space. I’m part of the #albumteam. I really love albums. Especially the ones that resonate with me, my experiences, whatever I’m going through. I love how an album can speak to me, even from miles away, make me feel understood. So I thought why not do the same with my own music. 'not disturb' is my way of capturing these emotions and experiences we all face, through my own creation. That’s why I want people to not just hear it, but actually listen to it.Also, side note - never underestimate a project that a friend sends you because it made them feel something, an emotion they chose to share with you. I love my friends, they build me up, and to me, that's powerful, ngl.Growing up in Paris with Algerian and Guinean roots, and spending time in London, your sound is a unique blend of cultures and influences. How do you think your upbringing has shaped your approach to music and creativity?Long story short: Mumsy listened to Tina Turner, Dad to Miles Davis. She’d play a lot of Disclosure, he would have Mary J. Blige on. You get the idea. So I think that naturally when you see how music can deeply move people like that, it can make you want to feel that same magic. I will say though, I think when you’re a music nerd or neek (or whatever people are calling you) it can feel kind of overwhelming. 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What do you think draws you to these collaborations, and how do they inspire your sound?These are artists I’ve been listening to from the start, and I know I’ll always come back to their music. Collaborating with them feels truly organic, and it’s something I’m genuinely grateful for. What draws me to these collaborations is simple: I create, they create, so why not work together and see where it takes us, you know?I will say though, working with each of them, they didn’t just take the easy route but really embraced the vision. They weren’t afraid to dive into more challenging beats, and that’s something I really respect and that inspires me. Shout out to all of them. What I’m also realizing more and more now is that your sound is really shaped by who you surround yourself with. That’s the lesson that I’m learning right now—how much your circle influences and pushes you creatively.You’re known for mixing genres like hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. How do you decide which elements to bring together when producing a track? Do you have a specific vision going in, or does it evolve naturally?I don’t really overthink it. Creating, at its core, is just an extension of who you are, right? So I naturally end up expressing whatever I’m feeling in the moment. There’s no specific formula or plan I follow—it’s more about letting things flow. The mix of genres happens because those are the sounds I connect with. Whether it’s hip-hop, jazz, or electronic music, it all just blends together based on the vibe I’m in. I’m just vibing. I let the track evolve on its own and trust the process, without trying to force it into any kind of box.Your live sets are described as energetic and eclectic, with a real communicative vibe. How do you prepare for a set? Do you approach live performance differently from studio production?Same here. It’s all about selecting and seeing what unfolds. If you’re strictly bangers, that’s totally fine— But for me, the track selection is what matters the most. A great set isn’t just about flawless transitions; it’s about curating tracks that resonate with you as a DJ first. That’s the essence of the job, right? Allowing people to discover new sounds. Each track I play, I connect deeply with, and then it’s up to the audience to embrace the experience and the vibe. That’s what I’ve always done and will continue to do with my performances.The alt-rap scene is exploding right now, and you’re positioned right at the forefront of that movement. How do you see this genre evolving, and where do you see your place within it?I’m not exactly sure what defines alt-rap, but what I do know is that I’m focused on making the music that I love. I believe in staying true to your sound and expressing yourself authentically. At the end of the day, that’s what lasts. Contributing to the growth of something I’m passionate about, while staying genuine to my own style — that’s the only approach I’m committed to.You’ve quietly been pulling strings behind the scenes for a while now, not just in music but also in fashion and community projects. Can you share a bit about the vision or mission that drives your work beyond music?My entourage. I truly believe that when you have ideas, it’s essential to put them into action and involve your friends in the process. Also, I love stories, every story carries a unique message and is worth telling. That’s why I’m committed to crafting my own narrative and bringing those stories to life, whether through music, fashion, or community projects. Ultimately, it’s all about human connections and building something meaningful together.What’s next for MANSO̶U̶R̶? Can we expect more collaborations, a full-length project, or any new directions in sound? 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