MANGA SAINT HILARE INTERVIEW: VIPER PRESENTS [2026 BOLD FEATURE]
Manga Saint Hilare Interview: Whether he is dissecting his personal life with startling transparency or crafting high-energy anthems designed to bridge the gap between the Grime scene and the club floor, Manga Saint Hilare remains one of the most intentional voices in British music.
As a member of Roll Deep, the iconic British Grime collective, he has witnessed the culture’s evolution from its rawest beginnings to its global influence. Now, as a veteran who still records entirely in isolation—approaching his lyrics with the structural precision of an essay—Manga’s journey has shifted from the chaotic stages of Glastonbury to the focused, family-orientated drive that defines his career today.
Fresh off the release of his infectious new single, ‘In The Dance’, we sat down with the artist to discuss the importance of vulnerability, the influence of Wiley, and why he chooses to stay “outside.“
What five words define your sound?
Grime. Outside. Honest. Community. Family
Tell me something unique about your creative process
I record fully alone. I never have anyone in the studio. I start with the title then work my way through subject matter from there. Like an essay.
Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?
‘In The Dance’.
What inspired you to make that song?
Energy. I always felt like Grime music is missing in club culture. So I wanted to make a Grime song that can be played in clubs. Not a Grime rave or a tour. Just played and people could dance to it.
What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?
I’m vulnerable all the time in my music. That’s not really a trait that’s in my genre so I proudly show that side of me. I always talk about how I’m feeling and what’s going on in my life.
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This interview is part of our long-form content series, now hosted exclusively on our Substack. To read the full conversation with Manga Saint Hilare and gain access to our archive of deep-dives into the architects of Hip Hop and global culture, head over to the Viper Substack.
[READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE]
