A young man with short hair and a beard making a peace sign with his right hand. He is wearing a black shirt, a black wristwatch, and a necklace with a framed photo pendant. He is sitting at a white table against a plain white background.

Manuel Perkins Jr.

Sousaphone

Born and raised in New Orleans' 9th Ward, music has been part of his life from the very beginning. Surrounded by family who played in bands and sang in church choirs, the foundation was set early for a future built on rhythm and sound. Drawn to the biggest instrument in the marching band, the sousaphone became his weapon of choice—curiosity quickly turned to passion, and now he carries the bass line, sets the groove, and sparks the energy that lifts the entire band and audience into another dimension.

Influenced by legends like Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and the iconic Anthony "Tuba Fats" Lacen, his style reflects both deep tradition and bold innovation—pushing The Soul Rebels forward while honoring the music of New Orleans.

For him, the thrill of the stage comes from the energy exchange. When the band locks in and the crowd surrenders to the sound, the music becomes a living force. Songs like "They Don't Know" showcase the raw essence of the group and why the Soul Rebels are one of the most dynamic live bands today. One of his most unforgettable moments was performing during the Super Bowl—a career milestone that captured the magic of sharing music with millions.

Offstage, he's a sneaker collector with a love for Jordan Brand, a gamer into NBA 2K and Call of Duty, and a fan of old-school concerts and podcasts on YouTube. Though introverted at heart, his voice shines through his horn. Touring has taken him through cities once only seen on maps, connecting with fans who often discover The Soul Rebels by chance and leave as lifelong supporters. His vision is to create music that feels limitless—refusing to be boxed into a single genre, carrying the spirit of New Orleans, and making every performance unforgettable.