Having become a viral sensation after a spontaneous performance with Dave on Glastonbury’s Other Stage earlier this summer, Alex Mann (AKA #AlexFromGlasto) has dropped his very own single, “What Ya Kno Bout That Bro?”
Released last night on GRM Daily, the visual sees Mann dancing in front of a group of his very young looking mates. Referencing his love of grime, Mann shouts out Glastonbury headliner Stormzy and Ghetts before going into the (actually quite catchy) chorus: “It’s Alex from Glasto, see me on stage with my hat low. Good energy with my cash flow. What you know about that bro?”
The 15-year-old took to Twitter to describe the unexpected series of events: “I’m so grateful for what’s happened. 6 weeks ago I finished my GCSEs and then went to Glastonbury with a few of my mates. @santandave changed my life forever.”
Mann doesn’t see his rise to popularity as a case of ‘five minutes of fame’, and is hoping a successful music career can come from all the madness. Speaking to NME, he said: “I’m trying to get in touch with some managers who can properly manage it all and make sure I’m doing the right thing. Because I obviously want to increase in popularity, but then I don’t want to overdo it and it to get a bit washed out.” The fact that Mann is worried about being “washed out” at 15-years-old is a sad reflection of modern society.
The release is bound to create conversation, after Mann’s post-Glasto emergence sparked discussion around how people view black artists and their white counterparts. Much was made of Mann’s appearance on Good Morning Britain after Piers Morgan lauded the young man’s rise to fame despite previously criticising the message grime artists convey on their records.
Mann will undoubtedly have a lavish summer before returning to reality when school starts again in September. In the meantime, we hope the teen can cope with all his “ex girls bothering man”.
Watch the video for “What Ya Kno Bout That Bro?” below.