Manu Boubli

Manu is a walking encyclopedia and Parisian crate-digger with an ear finely tuned to the past’s treasures. As a DJ, record dealer, and co-founder of Superfly Records, Manu has spent decades unearthing and reviving overlooked masterpieces such as Capucine or Big Black Lion Walk. His love of storytelling fuels his passion for collecting. 

Most recently, with the help of Doctor L, he has released music under his label Mind Records while juggling commercials, sound design, and more. Manu’s reasoning is, “Everything I have done in the last 15 years has essentially been related to my record collection.”

We caught up with Manu to trace the journey that led him to redefine how we hear the past.

Dadisi Komolafe – Hassan’s Walk. “Private afro-centric jazz at cult label Nimbus! Black and white cover, definitely my kind of record!”

“I never stopped digging; everything I have done in the last 15 years has essentially been related to my record collection.”

What do you do for a living?

Many different things… but all music-related! After studying politics (while learning to DJ), I ran Cithea, a club in Paris, for almost 7 years, where I used to work as a musical adviser as well as a resident DJ. I’ve been lucky to work with many musicians, DJs, and live bands, including Noel McGhie, Tony Allen, Bobby Few, Ghetto Blaster, Rainer Truby, Omar Sosa, Doctor L, and The Sugarman 3. I then started producing while launching my first label, Comet Records. I produced a batch of Tony Allen’s (former Fela Kuti drummer) albums as well as some early afro-related compilations (Racubah, Ouelele, and Bilongo).

After splitting with Comet, I launched Mind Records with my mate Doctor L, on which we are still releasing our music. I started doing music for commercials, sound design for fashion shops or fashion shows, compilations and reissues for Sony-BMG, and mainly DJing in Paris and worldwide.

A few months ago, alongside my partners Paulo “Superfly” Goncalves and Djouls “Parisdjs” Lakshmanan, I launched the Paris-based record shop Superfly Records–a physical store and an online shop! Before and during those years, I never stopped digging; everything I have done in the last 15 years has essentially been related to my record collection. Before and during those years, I never stopped digging; everything I have done in the last 15 years has essentially been related to my record collection.

Manu could never get tired of this view.

What was your first album? How did you get it? At what age? Can you describe that feeling? Do you still have it?

If I remember correctly, the first album I bought was London Calling by The Clash in 1979. I was 14 and listened to this record as much as possible, which means a lot when you’re a teenager! I then started going to their live shows (I’ve seen The Clash live at the famous Le Palace in Paris). Soon after, I sold my comic book collection to continue buying records and have never stopped. One thing I distinctly remember about this Clash LP is the song “Jimmy Jazz,” which I’m convinced ignited my interest in Jazz a few years later. It’s my favorite song of the album, and I still love it (it’s one of the regular classics I use for fashion shops).

“The music I grew up listening to has strongly influenced me, and I imagine it will shape what my children listen to in the future!”

One of the best-organized collections in Paris!

What prompted you to start collecting? What age did you start? Was there a specific event in your life that signified your transition from a music lover to a collector?

At first, like most of us, I bought records rather than consciously collecting them. My focus was on what was hot, and at the time, that meant transitioning from Punk to Ska–especially UK bands like The Specials and The Selecter. That shift helped me discover Jamaican music and opened my eyes to the richness of past sounds. I learned music from the past, which was equally fascinating to the historical happenings around it. That realization was what truly sparked my passion for record collecting.

Around the same time, I started playing records at friends’ parties because I happened to own a few. Before long, I realized I could use this to my advantage. Making money to buy more records, scoring invites to nearly every party, and, most importantly, impressing girls as the DJ!

My record-buying habit started evolving into a true collection from that moment.

What was your initial interest in music? Did you have any influence from your family? Or perhaps a friend (or enemy)?

As a kid, I grew up in a family that listened to Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Neil Young, but also more obscure ‘70s rock stuff such as Edison Electric Band, Heavy Cruiser, or Dashiell Hedayat. Even though I started buying music from my generation (Talking Heads, Fun Boys Three, Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson), I soon returned to my favorite music period: 1965-1975. 

The music I grew up listening to has strongly influenced me, and I imagine it will shape what my children listen to in the future!

Psyco On Da Bus – Psyco On Da Bus. “The best record that I produced on my label Comet Records! A project with Tony Allen (former Fela Kuti’s drummer!) produced by the mighty Doctor L!”

Rita – “Erotica.” “French porn groove rarity! Nice cover!”

Airto Fogo – “Jungle Bird / Black Soul.” “Superb jazz funk produced in France! 7-inch only tracks!”

“It’s not vinyl versus digital, just like it was never vinyl versus CD.”

Are you following any specific genre when you collect? Or it could be fixed on a specific album cover artist. Or maybe it’s just the music?

I have been collecting for a long time, so my approach to buying records has evolved over the years. At first, I only bought American pressings, then focused solely on records from 1965-1975. Now, I’m drawn to anything I haven’t seen before that looks interesting.

What’s your digging habit these digital days? Do you go out to dig in basements and fleas, or are you an eBay expert? What’s changed for you since the rise of the internet?

The digital days have not changed my digging habits as far as I’m concerned. You can still find treasures in flea markets and garage sales; the only difference is the growing competition. A lot of guys went professional through eBay, turning record selling into their full-time livelihood. 

Besides that, I love eBay, as it’s the biggest record shop in the world! You can find records you never even knew existed until you stumbled upon them on the site!

In a world of endless musical sources, streaming music, MP3s, Serato, and more, do you ever stop and ask yourself, “What for?”

Never! I have a pretty solid MP3 collection; I love my iPod and put a lot of time and energy into organizing my iTunes, but that doesn’t conflict with my record collection. It’s not vinyl versus digital, just like it was never vinyl versus CD. Now that I sell records in the shop, I see how kids are excited to buy what they already love on vinyl or MP3. They appreciate both formats and want both.

Records for miles and miles.

Jonathan Klein – Hear, O Israel – A Concert Service In Jazz. “Killer jazz mass in Hebrew! Spiritual jazz is at its best with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Jerome Richardson!”

“I’ve been looking through records for the last 25 years, and I know nothing; that’s the main thing. Digging for records itself is learning.”

How do you organize your collection?

I have four kids, so there are six of us in a lovely but small Parisian flat! That means records must be organized; otherwise, it would be a total mess. I have my own system: some are sorted by label, some by genre, and others by country of origin. Luckily, I can usually find what I’m looking for pretty quickly. 

Tell me a useful record storage/shelving tip!

I use independent record boxes, no shelves.

What do you look for in a record?

Nothing in particular, or, contrastingly, something that makes it unique. Each record has its history and groove, and it’s a never-ending learning experience… I’ve been looking through records for the last 25 years, and I know nothing; that’s the main thing. Digging for records itself is learning.

Capucine- Les Corbeaux Le Champion De La Faim. “True rarity here! Capucine, an obscure French prog jazz band that sounds a bit like Baroque Jazz Trio on Saravah! Handmade cover too!”

What’s your partner’s reaction to this obsession?

Diggin’ records make me happy, so my wife is pretty cool with that! We often travel, but we manage to go to museums and do some shopping as well as diggin’ records…

Name some golden grails from your collection history.

A few that come to mind: Ricardo Marrero’s A Taste on TSG, which I scored at a Paris record fair for 40 French francs (about $6 USD!). Sarah Webster Fabio’s Jujus/Alchemy of the Blues on Folkways, a trade with Gerald “Jazzman” for La Formule du Baron over a decade ago. Cortex’s Troupeau Bleu on Disques Espérance—a French jazz-funk fusion LP I once had 20 copies of! And finally, Elysian Spring’s Self-titled LP on Despa–the most expensive record I ever bought on eBay.

Do you have a record-collecting philosophy or routine when you enter a store?

I usually head straight for the jazz section, but in recent years, I’ve started checking the world music bins first – you might find some great African or West Indies records for a steal! I usually dig through the whole shop if it appears to be interesting.

Kalonji – Latin Dancer. “Another rarity! Absolutely killer LP from start to finish, unfortunately, with a very low recording! Afro-spiritual jazz funk?”

Big Black – Lion Walk. “Lovely track on this LP, one of my all-time favs, ‘Love, Sweet Like Sugar Cane.’”

Can you name a few of your favorite album covers?

Without hesitation, if I had to choose one, I’d go for Terry Callier’s What Color Is Love. Truly beautiful… After that, Sun Ra’s Saturn; this is art, man! Then, all the Fela Kuti’s with Africa 70 and, of course, Blue Note covers are still an inspiration for designers everywhere!

Did you have any covers that scared you as a child?

I still remember an album from my father’s collection that used to scare me–Shades of Deep Purple, the first Deep Purple LP from 1969. The artwork is a bizarre painting by Hieronymus Bosch, which I found very dark and strange. I was curious and a little worried every time I looked at it!

Manu studying a 45 from one of his 7-inch carriers.

Tell me a particularly sad record story!

A serious French record collector friend of mine eventually found peace deep-diving into religion. Over time, he came to believe that his passion for records and the money he spent on them conflicted with his faith. He made the shocking decision to break his entire collection, destroying each record one by one. Totally crazy, sad, and true–especially since he could have supported his community by selling that incredible collection instead!

Mulatu Astatke – Self-titled. “My 1 euro Mulatu 7-inch is in perfect condition!”

Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou (Dahomey) – “Y A Pas Moyen,” Afro Train – “Ode To Hendrix.” “Picture sleeves of afro 7-inches!”

Is there a specific musical instrument that attracts you when listening to music?

I used to love the organ, especially from the Prestige soul-jazz era. I’ve gone through phases of being deep into jazz vibes–Dave Pike, Johnny Lytle, Freddy McCoy–and have a real appreciation for wah-wah guitar, soprano sax, and, of course, the Fender Rhodes. I’m also very into drums and bass, which are the basis of the groove. But in the end, it’s all about music.

Tell me about a dollar bin record you would never part with!

Any James Brown record!

Tell me about a record that has healed heartbreaks! Name one that made them worse!

I’ll go for one record that can heal and worsen heartbreak! Check Darondo’s “Didn’t I”!

Kurrt Watkins and Soul Sister 7 – I Ain’t Buyin No Saigon Tea / Theme For Billy. One of Manu’s favorites with a timeless cover.

Manu facing off against a mountain of gear.

What about digging buddies? Do you share, or do you go solo?

I used to dig with a good friend who finally decided to quit digging vinyl (he’s now a big CD buyer!) Those days, it was more of a solo game… Too much competition and money is king, so going solo is the safest solution.

Tell me about the most unlikely place/occasion where/when you found records.

In a very small town in Normandy, where I’ve spent weekends for years, I found a great jazz collection at a bookshop! I’d known the shop forever, and it had never stocked records! That weekend, my wife sent me out to grab pizzas for the kids, and on my way, I noticed the shop owner putting out a few records. I flipped through them, finding dope stuff like Full Moon Ensemble, Wynder K. Frog, some Arvanitas, and Barney Wilen… Safe to say, it was a great weekend. The kids, however, got cold pizzas.

Billy Hawks – The New Genius of the Blues. “Highly desirable French, the only single with the ultimate jazz dancer, ‘O’ Baby I Believe I’m Losing You’ Tough one!”

Out of your great collection, there must be a few records you like returning to at any time. Name a few. What makes them so special for you?

For some reason, despite being deeply into collecting rarities, I’m always amazed when I go back to the classics… Miles Davis’s Kind Of Blue, John Coltrane’s My Favorite Things, Marvin Gaye’s What’s Goin’ On, and Van Morrison’s Moondance–all are essential LPs.  It’s nice to think that great records were made by great artists who were so successful!

Van Morrison – Moondance. “The Irish soul man is one of my heroes! “Into The Mystic,” on Moondance is the one, but nearly all his early ‘70s LPs are true masterpieces!”

Who is the weirdest character in the world of digging?

Once again, too many weird people in this business to name one. We’re all sick in a way, some more than others. I know a guy who has organized the 7-inch section of a Parisian record shop nearly every day of his life for the last 10 years. However, the weirdest aspect is that this is still a man’s world… I hope to see more and more women in the vinyl world!

“I’ll be tempted to think that a perfect digger life is one where passion never ends.”

And the race begins!

Compas Express – Nou Pati.  “Even though it’s not as good as it’s been, Boulinier is still one of the best digging spots in Paris! There are new records every day, unqualified staff, and super low prices, but there is a lot of competition, with a few diggers almost slipping in front of the shop!”

Digging for hidden gems in Paris.

In your most euphoric dreams, how do you imagine your perfect digger’s life?

I’ll be tempted to think that a perfect digger life is one where passion never ends… This is what it’s all about. I’m happy and excited when I wake up at 6 am to go to the Flea Market. This, to me, is the perfect digger life!

Manu is a Paris-based DJ, producer, and lifelong record collector who co-founded Superfly Records, a haven for vinyl lovers. Outside of traveling across the globe to uncover hidden gems, he has produced albums with Tony Allen and produced many volumes of The Vibe! The Ultimate Rare Grooves Series.

Super Fly Records

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Music Credits

Interview edited by Sam Cohen.

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Groove on,
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