Manu Chao, born José Manuel Tomás Arturo Chao Ortega in 1961, is a French-Spanish musician known for blending a wide range of musical styles and languages. He started out in Paris playing with bands like Hot Pants and Los Carayos, which mixed different sounds and cultures. In 1987, he co-founded the influential band Mano Negra with his brother Antoine, gaining success across Europe. After Mano Negra disbanded in 1995, Manu Chao launched a solo career and continues to tour with his backing group, Radio Bemba Sound System. He is recognized for singing in multiple languages and for his energetic, socially conscious music.