London based creative ones is really someone worth watching out for. After their last release entitled "gratitude always" was met with critical acclaim, they are back with a new single "Blessings" so we thought this was the perfect time to tune in, lock in and get familiar with the emerging young artist. We dive in to themes of collaboration, mental health and the power of community.
First of all, how are you?
Yooo, yeah I’m alright. Lots moving and going on but feeling good about it all!
Can you introduce yourself to our readers and let us know what you do?
I'm Primo, a 26 year old songwriter / producer originally from Hounslow, now living in East London. I write under the name "ones" and I don’t really stick to a particular speed but my music is very percussive and has a lot of soulful influences.
How did music first enter your life?
The first moment I really clicked with music, I was in primary school. My music teacher ms. Brace introduced us to building rhythm in a drum circle and I was really taken by that. After that I actually had a big disconnect from music, but I was always surrounded by it. My mum was the one on the fourth floor flat always blaring tunes when I was coming home from school. I’d be ringing the buzzer waiting for the track to finish so she could hear me and let me in. My Dad is a musician/drummer and always loved and listen to all kinds of music and rhythms, any car journey was his time to listen to his CDs and I’d listen when I got carsick from playing my gameboy colour in the backseat.
What record(s) would you hear growing up that made you want to make music?
I remember I was in geography in year 8 and I heard someone listening to fabriclive 37 Caspa & Rusko (2007). I got them to send it over Bluetooth and I just listened to it on repeat on the train home. There were moments on that record / mix that really drove me towards wanting to listen more to music, especially electronic stuff. I wasn’t really listening to anything at that point. Paris Club Music vol. 1 (2013) by ClekClekBoom was another one of the most influential compilations for me in terms of beats. I just really loved the bounce and the sound design, it was refreshing to me. I grew up finding it hard to understand my emotions but feeling them quite intensely, so listened to a lot of sad music because it gave me understanding and clarity. When I was going through a really tough spot in 2017, I used to listen to “Sonder Son” by Brent Faiyaz and just run until the album finished. Got me mad fit and helped me to process a lot of things in my mind.
How did you get started?
I didn’t really have many people I considered friends at school. I was put into a group because of how I physically looked, but I never really felt apart of a circle. As soon as found myself listening to music, I became obsessed with finding pockets of different music from around the world, at the time mainly club music. I used forums like FunkySoulz and YouTube channels to find new music. I started as a DJ for underage events when I was 15. I’d actually lie and say I was 17 and had to sell a load of tickets to get an opening slot, but I ended up playing some pretty mad venues at a young age. I hated school and had a lot going on at home, so it became my life really. I was always messing around on FL, it started as a thing to do to fill the gap between coming home from school and having dinner, but never played my beats because I knew they weren’t good enough. I got to a point where I didn’t wanna get booked for being a DJ, so I took some years out to work out what that sounded like to me and also just to grow up in general. It changed a lot over the years and I guess I realised, my music was quite aggressive as I had a lot I wanted to say but at this point, I didn’t have the understanding or the words to make sense of it all.
How has lockdown affected your creativity?
First lockdown, I actually feel as if I blossomed. I was writing the best music with the person I felt most comfortable with. Unfortunately covid and it’s pressures added a lot of stress and fear into my life and we lost what we found during that time. My music is really driven by where my head is at, and that falling apart really threw me so far away from myself. In that journey back to myself, I’ve written some music which helps me pick up the pieces. I guess lockdown completely changed my creative process, I ended up writing about how I felt rather than how I wanted to feel.
You have a very unique sound so for the gear nerds out there, can you let us know what you’re working with?
Fruity loops till I die with a dumb amount of automation and a load of percussion on top. I think I felt like a lot of club music lacked human movement but on the dancefloor but also in its elements. I really wanted to explore that and found recording my own percussion added an element of mistake which drove new ideas.
Who’s the production team behind ‘Blessings’?
I really have to thank Clayton Vomero and Nathan Tettey for all of their help in forming the team to bring this video to life. It really wouldn’t of been possible without their initial help. Also, Freddie and all the team at untold for all the effort, craft and time they contributed to the video. Seb Tabe is someone I’ve always admired as an artist and now friend, I’m so proud to have him apart of this with me. He came around to mine and I played him the record and explain where it had come from and he just had the vision.
The video for Blessing, directed by long time friend of Team Patta in Seb Tabe, features a lot of familiar London based faces - what does community mean to you?
Hold tight Seb, the guy is a genius and I was honoured to have him onboard and to be able to continue to work with him on visuals for the next record. You know, all of the faces in the video, are friends and family - it was nothing more than that. Everyone in the video is someone I respect in what they’re doing in their own lane. This video wouldn’t of been possible if it wasn’t for the community that was formed in developing / creating the piece. I owe it to each end every person involved, and am forever grateful. I guess over the years I’m trying to work out what I wanted to say whilst working so much, I lost touch with friends and just people in general. I really got into researching and archiving on Instagram to help me understand where I placed myself in a visual aspect. I came across Seb during that time and a continue to use it as a way to connect with independent artists I admire.
How did the Ministry of Sound thing come about?
Whilst working in a pizza place, I was writing my project ‘Gratitude Always’ on the side. A sound piece which explored the breakdown of my parents relationship, weaved together by edits and voice notes from my parents, which I made during a time of not knowing where I was going. I feel as if it was the project which drove me more towards being an artist rather than just a producer. It fell into place as it came together. I discovered a lot of the conversations I needed to have with my family to move forward in my own life and mental battles. It was an honest expression with no real expectations, but I guess the right people heard it and connected with it. I met Dipesh, the President of Ministry Of Sound and within minutes of meeting the guy, he told me how much he enjoyed the project and what it meant to him personally. I was really taken back by him, and the rest of the team when I met them a little while later. I’d gone from feeing like I was crazy in my room making beats, to being surrounded by an amazing team I really respected and who equally, really believed in me. They gave me the opportunity and support to push my ideas. I’d only written the first demo of Blessings at that point, but they saw something in me, which I didn’t at that point. I was able to leave my job and work out how I wanted to sound, what I wanted to say, how I wanted it to look, and they encouraged every idea. I really really appreciate everything they’ve done and continue to do for me. That’s my team right there.
I’m in Amsterdam right now but I would really love to join you in the studio to hear what else you are working on - what does the future hold for Ones?
Dude I’m here, you can roll through whenever just let me know. I’m actually sitting on a lot of tunes right now, just trying to piece it all together correctly. Been working on this project for the last year, it explores the relationship between dance music and mental health. Not going to say too much but I’ve got loads of things lined up. I’m doing this full time now, so just trying to get everything right. Looking to have the next single out in November but the dates still waiting to be confirmed so keep an eye on the socials
Are you still on your ones?
Yeah man, it be like that sometimes.
How important is the current mental health conversations that we are finally having within the diaspora?
If we want more people to be around, we need to know how best to support and understand one another. If we can dance together, we should be able to cry too. It’s just unfamiliar and weirdly that freaks out a lot of people, but that’ll change the more we openly embrace it together.
Mental health is a topic the diaspora is only now just becoming comfortable discussing and just because you have not taken the steps to talk about what you're going through does not mean it's too late to start. If you like to start your journey down that road a great resource we believe in here at Team Patta is Black Minds Matter or MIND.org in the United Kingdom, Inclusive Therapist in the United States, Expertise Center Transcultural Therapy or webuyblack.NL in the Netherlands.
Patta Amsterdam are excited to invite you to a special in-store event with two of the most exciting names in the game right now - Ants & Sainté! Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering their work, this is the perfect chance to meet them, chat with them in person, and get a behind-the-scenes look into their world. Ants & Sainté are making waves with their unique sounds, fresh style, and undeniable energy. And now, they’re taking time to meet you - their fans and the Patta community - right here in Amsterdam.Ants & Sainté will be in-store at Patta Amsterdam, Zeedijk 68 from 18:00 until 20:00 on November 7th.This is your chance to snap a pic, ask questions, and vibe with the artists up close. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, music lover, or just someone who appreciates good energy, you won't want to miss this event! So grab your friend and come down to Patta Amsterdam for a legendary meet & greet. Can’t wait to see you there!Get familiar with Ants here.Get familiar with Sainte here.
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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? 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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. You’re exposed to so much music that you end up liking a lot of different things. But yeah, my life has always revolved around music; it's really that simple. I will never stop [creating music]. I need that.You’ve worked with some major fashion brands like Jean Paul Gaultier and Nike. How did you go from DJing for these big names to stepping into music production? How do fashion and music intersect for you?First I wanna say I’m thankful for that. I wouldn’t say I stepped into music production though; I was more like 'floating' around it for a while. I’ve always been creating music, even before I started DJing. What I love about production is that it’s all about creation — that’s priceless to me. I just love creating, and I know I always will. Now, it's more about putting in the work to bring those creations to life.Both [fashion and music] are forms of self-expression and creativity, each with a unique ability to influence culture and connect people. That’s why I’m always excited and intentional about continuing to explore music, fashion, or any other paths I choose.Your debut EP 'DO YOU GET IT' made waves in the alt-rap scene. What vibe were you trying to communicate with that project, and how do you feel it's been received?With ”DO YOU GET IT”, I just wanted to capture what I was feeling and going through at the time, without worrying too much about how it would be received—just like with everything else I do. For me, it was more about releasing ideas and creating a sound that resonated with me, rather than trying to please or overthink the reaction. Once the music is out there, it doesn’t really belong to me anymore. People can interpret it however they want. Me, personally, I’m a fan. The most important thing is that it stays true to who I am.From collaborating with artists like Len, BXKS, and Odunsi, to playing alongside Sainté and Ragz Originale, you’ve been making moves in both the Paris and London underground scenes. 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? What should your listeners be looking out for?All I can say is that we’ll keep going, and that’s something we’ll always do. #dyougetit
Get Familiar: Manso̶U̶R̶
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Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Adam ZM Meet 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 br
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