Manu Chao hasn’t released an album in 17 years, and that’s hard to believe. His distinct blend of music, inspired by his eclectic taste, has only been released on seven albums since his debut Clandestino way back in 1998. With influences ranging from the Clash to the Jam, his early band Hot Panks was a Spanish-Rockabilly band. It’s unlikely any other artist could get away with that.

Born in France to Spanish parents, Manu Chao is multilingual, singing in English, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Greek and two Spanish dialects.  Another group, Mano Negra, used to play in the Paris Metro and adapted its repertoire to suit the denizens from various countries who would listen to the group underground. The group released several singles and four albums before disbanding.

The impact of his experience with the band led to another group, Radio Bemba Sound System, for a while before he embarked on his solo career. Besides the diversity of his languages, his music incorporates a range of genres, including worldbeat, ska, flamenco, Algerian rai (folk), French chanson, and salsa. His political views also inform his songs, but he brings an energy and positivity with his upbeat, sometimes playful, usually topical tunes. His latest, Viva Tu, is no exception, and features guests Willie Nelson and French singer Laeti.