Mano Negra

Fronted by French-Spanish musician Manu Chao alongside his Spanish brother and cousin, Mano Negra were a politically-charged group based in France in the late 1980s and early `90s.

Named in honour of an Andalucian anarchist group, the trio emerged from a Parisian music scene which was inspired by punk and the politically-fuelled ethos of The Clash. Mano Negra fused a myriad of genres and styles, as well as singing in a multitude of different languages, to create a pioneering sound of Latin rock dubbed `patchanka'. Their debut album of the same name was released in 1988 and featured breakthrough hit 'Mala Vida', which saw the band signed to major label Virgin Records. The band toured the world, supporting Iggy Pop in the USA, and achieved major success across Europe and South America and also in Asia, where they recorded a live album eventually released in 1992.

The band dissolved in 1994 prior to the release of their final album 'Casa Babylon', following a prolonged period of disharmony. The album was still released in Europe and South America, and achieved commercial success in Latin America, despite their dissolution. Frontman Manu Chao has since formed a successful solo career.