Jas Mann

Jasbinder Singh Mann, commonly known as Jas Mann, was born on 24th April 1971 in Dudley, West Midlands, England, to Punjabi Indian parents. He showed early signs of creativity, forming his first band, The Glove Puppets, at the age of 15 with his friend Adam Toussaint. They personally funded and released a 7" vinyl single in 1987, which was sold in local record shops.

In 1988, Mann joined The Sandkings as their lead vocalist. The Wolverhampton-based band enjoyed success in the UK indie music scene, scoring several Top 10 indie chart hits. After leaving the band due to creative differences, Mann formed Babylon Zoo, the project that would propel him to global fame. The single "Spaceman" became a UK number one in 1996 after featuring in a Levi’s advert, and it topped the charts in 23 countries. Babylon Zoo’s debut album, The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes, also achieved significant success, reaching number 6 on the UK Albums Chart.

Beyond music, Mann ventured into the film industry. He co-founded Indomina Group in 2008, an independent studio with operations in the Dominican Republic and Los Angeles. He played a key role in establishing Pinewood Indomina Studios, a cutting-edge facility for film and television production in the Dominican Republic. In 2013, Mann co-founded Virgin Produced India, focusing on Bollywood films and Hollywood remakes for Indian audiences.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Mann has contributed to philanthropic causes, serving as a board member for the International Child Art Foundation. He has also invested in SMEs that focus on wellness and environmental initiatives, reflecting his dedication to promoting positive social change.

Jasbinder Singh Mann, known professionally as Jas Mann, was born on 24th April 1971 in Dudley, West Midlands, England. His parents, Avtar Mann and Balbir Mann, were of Punjabi Indian heritage, with both hailing from villages in the Punjab region of India, near New Delhi. Mann’s cultural roots are firmly grounded in Sikhism, the religion ascribed to him at birth. 

Although born in Dudley, Wolverhampton became Jas Mann’s hometown, where he completed his education at Pendeford High School. While excelling in sports such as football, tennis, and cricket, it was during his school years that Mann’s passion for music truly began to emerge. At the age of 15, he and his friend Adam Toussaint formed a musical duo called "The Glove Puppets," demonstrating early dedication and determination. They even personally funded a 7" vinyl single in 1987, featuring the tracks "This Head" and "Girl in a Shell," which was sold in local record shops. While this early release didn’t bring widespread success, it established Mann as a promising talent in the music scene.

In 1988, Jas Mann was recruited as the lead vocalist for the Wolverhampton-based band, The Sandkings, a group named after a sci-fi short story collection by George R. R. Martin. Alongside band members Dave Brown (bass), Glenn Dodd (guitar), and Terry Kirkbride (drums), Mann helped the band achieve notable success in the UK indie scene. The Sandkings released several singles and an EP between 1988 and 1992, with three of their tracks reaching the Top 10 in the UK indie single charts. The band also toured as the opening act for prominent acts such as Happy Mondays and The Stone Roses. Despite these accomplishments, creative differences eventually led to Mann’s departure from the group.

Following his exit from The Sandkings, Mann formed Babylon Zoo, a band that would catapult him to international stardom. In 1995, Babylon Zoo’s single "Spaceman" was chosen as the soundtrack for a Levi’s jeans commercial, sparking immense interest even before its official release. When the single was released in January 1996, it became an instant hit, selling over 420,000 copies in its first week and topping the UK Singles Chart. "Spaceman" was the fastest-selling single in the UK in over three decades and went on to become a number one hit in 23 countries worldwide.

Babylon Zoo’s debut album, The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes, was released later in 1996 and peaked at No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart. Produced by Mann at his Wolverhampton-based New Atlantis Productions studio, the album featured Mann’s distinctive artistic vision. He not only wrote and produced the album but also played most of the instruments, using innovative techniques to achieve a modern, lo-fi sound. The album's title, The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes, came from a childhood nickname given to Mann.

Two further singles from the album, "Animal Army" and "The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes," both charted in the UK Top 40. Babylon Zoo’s success extended beyond the UK, with The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes reaching the Top 20 in 17 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. However, the follow-up album, King Kong Groover, released in 1999, did not replicate the success of its predecessor.

Despite the monumental success of "Spaceman," Mann continued to explore various creative avenues. In 2005, he announced plans to release a new Babylon Zoo album titled Cold Clockwork Doll, but the album remains unreleased to date.

Beyond his musical career, Mann transitioned into the film industry. In 2008, he co-founded the Indomina Group, an independent film studio with operations in Los Angeles and the Dominican Republic. Indomina Group produced and distributed several notable films, including The Imposter (2012) and A Fantastic Fear of Everything. Mann played a significant role in establishing Pinewood Indomina Studios in the Dominican Republic, a state-of-the-art film and television production facility created in partnership with the Pinewood Group. After a period of success, Mann sold his stake in Indomina to the Vicini Group, and Indomina later relocated its operations to the Dominican Republic.

In 2013, Mann co-founded Virgin Produced India, a joint venture with the Virgin Group aimed at producing and distributing Bollywood films and remaking Hollywood content for Indian audiences. His efforts in the entertainment industry extended to film distribution, production, and pioneering new ventures in global cinema.

Outside of his artistic pursuits, Mann has been involved in various philanthropic efforts. He serves as a board member for the International Child Art Foundation, an organisation focused on providing arts programming in schools. His commitment to promoting arts and education reflects his desire to create a positive impact beyond his career in entertainment.

Mann has also invested in several small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a focus on wellness and environmental initiatives, further demonstrating his interest in promoting sustainability and positive change.

Jas Mann remains an influential figure in both the music and film industries, known for his groundbreaking work with Babylon Zoo and his extensive contributions to independent cinema. His career has spanned over 25 years, during which he has continuously evolved as an artist, producer, and entrepreneur. Whether through his innovative approach to music or his ventures in film production, Mann has left an indelible mark on the global entertainment landscape.

Jas Mann’s vision centres on the transformative power of creativity, self-expression, and innovation. In both music and film, he strives to push boundaries and challenge conventional ideas, encouraging personal liberation through artistic exploration. His work with Babylon Zoo reflected a desire to inspire individuality and authenticity, themes that resonate throughout his career. As a film producer and entrepreneur, Mann envisions a world where art and technology intersect to drive positive change. His ventures, including the establishment of Pinewood Indomina Studios and Virgin Produced India, reflect his commitment to empowering global voices and fostering sustainable, creative industries.