​Populous is the pseudonym of Andrea Mangia, a DJ and producer originally from Lecce, a city in southern Italy known for its lively music scene. His musical career began in 2003 with his debut album Quipopublished by Berlin-based label Morr Music, which quickly introduced him to the international electronic scene. ​

In 2005, Populous published Queue for Love, an album influenced by the reggae and hip-hop sounds typical of his hometown, often referred to as the 'Jamaica of Italy' due to the popularity of these genres. ​2008 saw the release of Drawn in Basica collaboration with American rapper Short Stories (Michael McGuire), which combines pop elements with Populous' distinctive electronic aesthetic. ​

After a break, he returned in 2014 with Night Safari, an album that represents an imaginary nocturnal journey through pristine landscapes and mysterious creatures, receiving praise from international critics for its ability to transcend sonic boundaries. ​

In 2017, inspired by his time in Lisbon, Populous published Azulejos, a work that fuses electronic sounds with Latin rhythms, reflecting his interest in South American music. ​ 2020 marks the release of Wa tribute to femininity in all its forms, characterised by collaborations with artists from different parts of the world and the exploration of themes related to identity and diversity. ​

Besides music production, Populous is known for his live performances at international festivals such as SXSW (Austin), Primavera Sound (Barcelona) and Eurosonic (Groningen). He has collaborated with artists such as M¥SS KETA, for whom he produced the hit 'Xananas', and received awards such as the 'Best Artist' award at the Italian Quality Music Festivals in 2016. ​

His ability to anticipate and reinterpret musical trends, combined with a deep curiosity and training in musicology, makes him a leading figure in contemporary electronic music.