Manu Chao isn't anything new in the music scene. In fact he's been around solo, with band, etc. since 1987, and as a solo act since 1995. His music has been described as political music, however if you ask the singer if he is a political artist, he would defer and say he simply sings about what he sees.
One of the more amazing facts about Manu is that he sings, and can speak in most of seven languages, including French, Spanish, English, Galician, Arabic, Wolof and Portuguese. Often compared to Bob Marley by the press, the world famous troubadour also likes to slough off that description as well. Saying he simply likes to travel and sing about what he sees in the world. Since politics are a part of every place he goes, that's what the music tends to express. Political or not, I think Manu has a certain set of rhythms and a unique vocal style that is truly his alone. Despite the fact that the singer is of Spanish decent and born in France, his songs tend to have a very distinct South American feel to them. I think that flavor has been heavily influenced by his travels in that part of the world.
Although Manu Chao has experienced wide-spread notoriety in Europe, Latin America and South America, his break out in the American market has been less explosive...not sure I really understand why. One of my favorite tracks:
He's also got quite the website if you'd like to peruse I'd highly sugguest.
And lastly, a track from the more recent album called Politik Kills from La Radiolina:
-Laura in LA
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