Mano Negra was a French/Spanish/Portuguese band fronted by Manu Chao, born … Read Full Bio ↴Mano Negra was a French/Spanish/Portuguese band fronted by Manu Chao, born in Paris, France to Spanish parents. The band was founded in 1987 by Manu, his brother Antoine, and his cousin Santiago Casiriego. It split circa 1995, but many members had already left in 1992.

The band was formed from the fusion of 2 smallers bands, the Hot Pants and the Casse-pieds.

Mano Negra mixed a number of styles: straight rock (with a lead guitar), latin music (with a brass section), punk (influenced by The Clash). Their songs often mixed French, Spanish and English lyrics.

Frontman Manu Chao later reappeared as as the lead in Radio Bemba Sound System to record their eponymous 2002 live album. He has also released four solo albums, Clandestino and Proxima Estacion: Esperanza in 1998 and 2002,Siberie M'Etait Conteee in 2005 and La Radiolina in 2007.

Former band member Tom Darnal was one of the founders of the band P18

About name

La Mano Negra ("The Black Hand") was a supposed anarchist organization in Andalucía, Spain, accused of many terrorist acts. Although, in latter studies, its existence was found unlikely and was probably an excuse used by the government under Sagasta to oppress anarchist activity in southern Spain.

Mama Perfecta
Mano Negra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Iñale Bambuley, Iñale Bambuley
y viene con los adiñales ,los adiñales bambuley

Mama Perfecta dejate yo bailar!

Porque ustedes las muchachas cuando se juntan
No quiero no, No quiero no

Que porque no soy de Etiqueta
Porque no soy de Etiqueta Yo
Canto mi canto antiguo Ya Bambuley.

Grume negrita, Grume negrita y toma
y viene con los adiñales, los adiñales bambuley

Mama Perfecta dejate yo bailar!
Que no!!!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mano Negra's song Mama Perfecta depict a celebratory scene where the singer is asking the titular "Perfect Mom" to let him dance. The song starts with the repeated phrase "Iñale Bambuley," which can be interpreted as a call to dance. This is followed by the phrase "y viene con los adiñales, los adiñales bambuley," which roughly translates to "and it comes with the traditions, the traditions of Bambuley." The use of the word "adiñales" highlights the importance of cultural traditions and rituals in the song.

As the song progresses, the singer addresses a group of women and expresses his reluctance to join them due to his lack of etiquette. He sings "No quiero no, No quiero no/Que porque no soy de Etiqueta/Porque no soy de Etiqueta Yo." However, he goes on to assert his cultural identity and sings "Canto mi canto antiguo Ya Bambuley," which means "I sing my ancient song, Bambuley." The lyrics celebrate diversity and individuality while also emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's cultural roots.

In the chorus, the singer urges Mama Perfecta to let him dance while he addresses the contrasting phrase "Que no!!!". The song is an energetic and joyous expression of cultural identity and a celebration of traditions.

Line by Line Meaning

Iñale Bambuley, Iñale Bambuley
The song begins with a joyful chant expressing excitement towards the upcoming music.

y viene con los adiñales ,los adiñales bambuley
The chant continues, referencing the traditional music style 'bambuley' and its signature rhythmic pattern.

Mama Perfecta dejate yo bailar!
The singer implores Mama Perfecta to allow him to dance and enjoy the music.

Porque ustedes las muchachas cuando se juntan
The singer addresses a group of girls, acknowledging that when they come together they have a certain influence over him.

No quiero no, No quiero no
The singer resists this influence, suggesting he doesn't want to be controlled or swayed by the girls' opinions.

Que porque no soy de Etiqueta
The singer explains that he's not dressed in formal attire, which may be considered trendier or more fashionable.

Porque no soy de Etiqueta Yo
The singer affirms the previous line, stating that he doesn't have to conform to external expectations of style.

Canto mi canto antiguo Ya Bambuley.
The singer embraces his roots, singing a traditional 'bambuley' song which honors the music of his ancestors.

Grume negrita, Grume negrita y toma
The song continues with more joyful chanting in the traditional style.

Mama Perfecta dejate yo bailar!
The singer repeats his plea to Mama Perfecta, expressing a strong desire to dance to the music he loves.

Que no!!!
Despite the singer's pleas, Mama Perfecta refuses to let him dance, much to his disappointment.

Contributed by Daniel S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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