If you’ve been watching RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and caught yourself doing a double take at the pit crew, you’re not alone. The newest addition? Rising pop and R&B artist MANÚ, who’s as much a musical force as he is a jaw-dropping presence in red briefs. But don’t let the abs distract you too much, this artist has something to say.
In an exclusive chat with Gayety, MANÚ opened up about his sultry new single, the toxic relationships that inspired it, and what it’s really like behind the scenes on Drag Race. Spoiler alert: there’s trivia, tears, and a whole lot of sweat.
From Sydney With Soul
MANÚ didn’t plan on living in Sydney forever. The plan was Europe, maybe a year tops in Australia. But five years later, they’re still soaking up the Southern Hemisphere sun, and crafting a unique blend of pop and R&B that’s both intimate and infectious.
“I’ve always wanted to do pop music,” MANÚ shared. “But it felt limiting to pick just one genre. I lean into R&B a lot because it gives room for nuance and emotion.”
That emotional depth is on full display in their new single, Dirty Laundry.
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Spinning Breakup Blues Into Gold
With Dirty Laundry, MANÚ is turning heartbreak into high art. The track unpacks the “toxic” side of love, a deliberate departure from their usual uplifting tone.
“I wanted to explore that darker part of a relationship, the stuff that sticks to you,” they said. “It’s about letting it go and owning your part of the mess.”
The visuals, like the song, pack a punch. Set in a stylized boxing ring, the video channels raw emotion through sleek choreography and solo performance.
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“My videographer, Taj, said, ‘What if you fight yourself?’ And that was it. It clicked,” MANÚ said. “I wanted the visuals to feel sweaty and sexy, like you’re working out the pain.”
In the Studio: From Bedroom Demos to Big Pop Sound
Behind the scenes, MANÚ’s not doing it alone. Their go-to producer and creative partner, Miggy, helps bring each track to life.
“I’ll write a melody and lyrics at home, then bring it to Migi,” MANÚ explained. “We build the track together. It’s a real collaboration, we’re always on the same wavelength.”
That shared vision is powering an upcoming six-song EP, which is being distributed through ADA, a Warner affiliate.
“Dirty Laundry is actually the chillest track,” he teased. “The rest is full-on pop. Big sounds, big emotions.”
A Dream in Red Briefs: Behind the Drag Race Glow-Up
Of course, we couldn’t skip over the other major moment: becoming a member of the RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars pit crew.
“I totally manifested it,” MANÚ laughed. “I tried out for the New Zealand pit crew and didn’t get it. But then All Stars came calling.”
And yes, the behind-the-scenes vibes are just as fab as you’d hope.
“It was beautiful. The energy on set was so warm and welcoming,” they shared. “Backstage, we’d play trivia with the queens. It wasn’t just glam, it was community.”
As a longtime fan of the show, the moment was surreal. “RuPaul is a dream. Just a beautiful person, on and off camera.”
Will we be seeing MANÚ again in future episodes? “Hopefully,” they said with a wink. We’re manifesting that too.
What’s Next for MANÚ
Beyond the glitter and the glow-ups, MANÚ is keeping his focus on the music.
A full video for Dirty Laundry is on the way, and the rest of the year is stacked with releases, and maybe even some international performances.
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“It’s going to be a year full of music,” they said. “This EP is just the start.”
With charisma, vulnerability, and a killer flow with lyrics, MANÚ is proving he’s got the chops to go the distance and can do it with looks like Hercules (Disney reference fully intentional). They’re a powerhouse in the making, and we’re here for every beat of it.
Want more MANÚ?
Keep an eye out for the Dirty Laundry music video dropping soon, and follow MANÚ on Instagram for updates on new music and future appearances. Trust us, you won’t want to miss what he does next.
