This 90s pop star had one of the most recognisable hits of the decade
Do you remember the 1990s pop pin-pin touted as the next big thing?
A one-time pop star with the music world at his feet, drawing comparisons to David Bowie and releasing a hit single that topped the chart in 23 countries, has undergone a huge transformation. not just in terms of shedding his trendy attire and trademark long hair but also in terms of carving out a lucrative new career.
With the release of his hit single ‘Spaceman,’ Jas Mann, the iconic Babylon Zoo frontman, epitomised 1990s pop culture, capturing hearts across the nation. Fast-forward 30 years, and Jasbinder Singh Mann has ditched the rocker mane for a suave, business-like look and shorter hair while amassing a fortune as a successful entrepreneur.
The former pin-up now cuts a dapper figure, though he retains a touch of the ’90s with his trademark spectacles. He now commands one of Asia’s premier media corporations.
His rise to fame was meteoric. In 1996, his single ‘Spaceman’ reached the top of the charts and became the fastest-selling single in three decades.
The single stayed at the top of the UK charts for five weeks and became number one in 23 countries. The megahit enamoured the nation and, alongside Mann’s charisma, prompted music critic Jon Savage to write: “Staring into the cameras, as sexy/strange as Mick Jagger in 1965, Mann cast the nation under his spell.”
Jas Mann Of The Pop Group ‘Babylon Zoo’ (Image: Brian Rasic/Getty Image)
The Babylon Zoo singer was catapulted into the limelight and became known for his androgynous image and musical style. This led to comparisons with David Bowie, particularly during Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era. However, Jas and Babylon Zoo’s time in the limelight proved fleeting.
Their debut album, The Boy With The X-Ray Eyes, was ranked in the top 20 of the charts in 17 countries. Reflecting on the band’s debut at the time, Jas said: “Like an actor, the album is a platform for my personal feelings about my surroundings and the people around me,” reports Birmingham Live.
He continued, “I write about what it would feel like to be a person from another planet, rather than romanticising science fiction”.
Jas Mann’s hit single ‘Spaceman’ topped the UK charts for five weeks(Image: Patrick Ford, Redfernsvia Getty Images)
Three years later, the band hoped to emulate their earlier success, but neither their follow-up album, King Kong Groover, nor the single All the Money’s Gone made it into the Top 40, which led to Jas’ retreat from the music industry.
Originally from Dudley and of Indian descent, he moved to South Asia to make his mark in the film industry, using his Spaceman earnings to invest in his film and distribution venture Virgin India – a partnership with Richard Branson’s Virgin group.
The enigmatic former pop star has since carved out a new career(Image: Patrick Ford, Redfernsvia Getty Images)
Continuing his rise in the business world, swapping his ’90s shell suits for more formal wear, he advanced to become the CEO of Indomina Group, another film production company.
The company operates from both LA and the Dominican Republic, contributing to the production of two sequels to the Cabin Fever franchise.
Jas Mann (left) has since made a career in the movie industry. Here he stands with Gaye Theresa Johnson and Chuck D at the New York Premiere Of Ice-T’s Directorial Debut Film “Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap” in 2012 (Image: Bennett Raglin, WireImagevia Getty Images)
The former pop star can now be spotted at conferences sporting a professional ‘geek chic’ look, complete with neat, short hair.
However, for many, the enduring image of Jas Mann is him in shell suits, with his fabulous long hair and sunglasses.
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