Mandinga

The Romanian band Mandinga has been the winner of Romania’s “Best Latino” for the past six years, in 2009 adding the title of “Best Live Band” at the Romanian Music Awards. Their secret lies in the unique combination of quality music and passion from all ten members of the band. The composure of the band is made up of eight musicians and two vocalists as follows: Elena (Ro)-lead singer, Alejandro (Cuba)-lead singer, Alex (Ro)-trumpet, flute, vocals, Ciupi (Ro)-drums, Bazooka (Ro)-timbales, Florin (Ro)-bass, Zach (Ro)-saxophone, El Nino (Cuba)-congas, Tony (Cuba)-trombone, Omar Secada (Cuba)-piano.

Mandinga is one of the most appreciated live bands in Romania, that stood out with its new vision on Latino music, which they combined with traditional Balkan rhythms, creating the new style, Balkan Salsa. It is presented on the band’s latest album, “Donde”, which has had a great success, receiving numerous positive reviews.

Moreover, Mandinga is the only Latino band in Romania which has enjoyed international success, performing in countries like Bulgaria, Germany, Poland or Cuba. The band has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with important names like Buena Vista Social Club, Mercadonegro, Manolito Simonet y Su Trabucco, Arturo Sandoval, Bamboleo, Rafaga, Havana Lounge, Billy Cobham or Luis Conte.

The band’s success reflects in the high number of concerts they have annually, as well as having their own salsa festival, called Salsa Fest (www.salsafest.ro), a dance group, Salsaphoria, and their own Latino music online radio, Radio Sol ( www.radiosol.ro ).