Manu Chao La Ventura in Poland: multilingual songs at the meeting point of rock, reggae and ska

Inspiring, creative and committed like nobody else: that is how Manu Chao is described. The alter-globalisation movement's musical icon returns to Poland. Known for social engagement, creative cosmopolitanism and fighting spirit in his songs, he is one of the most influential musicians in recent history.

He seeks inspiration in street culture and local scenes across different countries and nationalities. His multicultural, multilingual music is a distinctive cocktail of rock, reggae, punk and ska, mixing found sounds and rhythms from around the world. He sings in English, Spanish, French, Italian and several other languages, often weaving them all into a single song.

Manu Chao was born in Paris in 1961 to Spanish republicans who fled General Franco’s repression for France. In the early 1980s, he belonged to punk-influenced Hot Pants. In 1987, he formed Mano Negra with brother Antonie Chao and cousin Santiago Casariego. They became the greatest band in French rock history, with legions of devoted fans across Europe and South America, where they hold legendary status.

Manu Chao released his first solo album, “Clandestino”, in 1998, achieving spectacular international success. His second record, “Proxima Estación: Esperanza”, recorded with Radio Bemba Sound System, appeared in 2001 and quickly became a huge hit. Next came “Sibérie m'était Contéee”, his first entirely French-language album, followed by the successful “La Radiolina”.

As in Radio Bemba and Mano Negra, he is accompanied by guitarist Madjid, drummer Philippe Teboul and bassist Gambeat. Together they present Manu Chao La Ventura, a rock quartet performing his most legendary, familiar songs alongside new, previously unrecorded material.

In recent years, several hundred thousand people around the world have enjoyed La Ventura’s energetic show. Soon, the Woodstock audience will discover this collective’s power too.