By PEDRO DE LA HOZ | Periodico26.cu

Tens of thousands of young people flocked to see Manu Chao last night in a concert that took place at the Jose Marti Anti-imperialist Plaza, in front of the US Interests Section in Havana. The beloved Franco-Hispanic singer demonstrated why he is a symbol of rebellious and defiant music, and expressed his complete solidarity with Cuba.

Accompanied by his band, Radio Bemba Sound System, Manu played a wide selection from his discography, from quintessential songs that he made popular during his time with the group Mano Negra to songs from his latest release, all characterized by his unique fusion of music cultures from around the world.

The singer-songwriter asked the ISA Quartet, made up of young students from Havana’s Higher Art Institute (ISA), to open the show for him and they obliged, improvising a jam based on different Cuban rhythms.

Flags from around Latin America could be seen waving in the crowd as a symbol of what is to come as Manu Chao leaves Friday to continue on his tour of Latin America. His next stop will be Caracas, where he will learn first hand about the revolutionary process in Venezuela headed by President Hugo Chavez, and then on to Bolivia to witness the optimistic perspectives that the newly elected President Evo Morales brings to his people.

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