Last Updated on October 5, 2026
Manu Chao makes a surprising but welcomed return with “Viva Tu,” the first new single from the French-Spanish singer/songwriter in over fifteen years. The wayfaring troubadour emerges long enough from his immersion into simple living and communal storytelling to share a radiant message filled with joyous goodwill. One that signals the imminent arrival of a new album alongside his upcoming tour throughout Europe this summer.
“Viva Tu,” like so many of Chao’s most uplifting sing-a
longs, embraces the little glimpses into the lives of other people as a fountainhead of ebullient optimism. Its rhythmic warmth and spiraling melodies embody the tangle of paths crossed, evoking intimate scenes drawn from moments with his neighbors. Urged by buoyantly pattering percussion and winding acoustics, this elated rumba continues his tradition of penning breezy, earnestly hopeful songs.
Likewise, the music video for “Viva Tu” has at its center a bustling crowd of strangers and friends who’ve gathered along the street to enjoy a night of music and dancing. Chao appears with his guitar smiling and singing — while all around him people bond over the gentle emotional luxuriance of his art. The chromatic scenes capture the spirited community that takes shape in the wake of his words, nudging people away from the selfish hustle of life toward human connection.
Chao said of the new single: “‘Viva Tu’ is first and foremost the love of all my neighbors, it’s a rumba I wrote for my neighbors as well as others from various places. It’s about accepting yourself as you are, and from the moment you accept who you are, Viva Tu!”
If this is your first exposure to Chao’s vivacious and feel-good catalog then you’ve just earned yourself some new music to dive into. His music is unafraid to tap into social issues like immigration and global disparities, rallying people all over the world with his empathetic and loving lyrics.
He first appeared in the mid-1980s in the rockabilly band Hot Pants before forming the patchanka-fused Mano Negra with his brother and cousin in 1987. A decade later the band was reorganized as Radio Bemba Sound System, releasing some of the songs they created together like “Bongo Bong” as Clandestino, Chao’s first solo album. Próxima Estación: Esperanza followed in 2001, with another six years passing before sharing with the world La Radiolina.
His music has always personified a multi-cultural celebration of the sounds and languages he’s come into contact with. Spanish, Portuguese, Galician, French, English, Arabic, and Wolof all appear throughout his various releases. His genre influences are just as eclectic and you’ll hear everything from rock and punk to the regional sounds of France and Mesoamerica — flamenco, samba, cumbia, and Afro-Cuban traditions — throughout your exploration of his discography.
BEST CONCERTS IN LOS ANGELES THIS MONTH
Words: Steven Ward
Visit Manu Chao on his website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
Watch the music video for “Viva Tu” the new single from Manu Chao below.
Manu Chao Tour
June 1st CASTELNAU DE LEVIS, France – Esplanade de la Tour à l’envers
June 4th VARAIRE, France – Festival Vrai Repaire
June 7th ARGELÈS SUR MER, France – Bacchus Festival
June 15th MIERES, Spain – Pozo Barreo
June 18th SALAMANCA, Spain – FACYL 24 – Festival Internacional de las Artes de Castilla y León
June 22nd O GROVE, Spain – Cala Raeiros
June 30th L’HOSPITALET DE LLOBREGAT, BARCELONA, Spain – Sala Salamandra
July 3rd L’HOSPITALET DE LLOBREGAT, BARCELONA, Spain – Sala Salamandra
July 6th VIMIANZO, A CORUÑA, Spain – Castelo de Vimianzo
July 13th VALENÇA DO MINHO, Portugal – Festival Contrasta
July 16th AGUEDA, Portugal – Agitagueda Art Festival
July 19th LISBOA, Portugal – Parque Urbano de Seixal
July 22th ATARFE, GRANADA, Spain – FESTIVAL REVIVIR LA AZUCARERA
July 25th FUENGIROLA – MALAGA, Spain – Castillo de Sohail
July 28th TARVISIO, Italy – No Borders Music Festival
August 1st SEGRATE, Italy – Circolo Magnolia
August 4th FERMO, Italy – Giardini del Parco del Girfalco
August 8th PAESTUM, Italy – Paestum (SA)
August 15th CASTRIGNANO DEI GRECI, Italy – Kascignana Festival
August 20th BAGHERIA – PALERMO, Italy – Piccolo Parco Urbano
August 25th DIAMANTE – CALABRIA, Italy – Teatro dei ruderi
September 14th AUBÉRIVE, France – Festival de la Poule des Champs
