Mandinga

Mandinga is a Romanian band from Bucharest, formed in December 2002. Their eclectic music blends Latin influences, Balkan folklore, and various styles, including Latin house. They quickly gained popularity through numerous performances in Romania and internationally, notably in Bulgaria, Germany, Serbia, Poland, and Cuba.

The lineup has undergone several changes, including singers such as Elena Gheorghe and Elena Ionescu, percussionists like Cornel Ene, and instrumentalists such as Alexandru Burcea on trumpet and vocals, Aristides Orlando Panaitescu Alegria, and Bárbara Isasi. The band also includes a keyboardist, saxophonist, trombonist, bassist, and percussionists, often referred to by their nicknames, as well as professional dancers.

Mandinga sings in Romanian, Spanish, and English, creating worldwide intercultural music. Their repertoire draws from a wide range of genres: salsa, guajira, bolero, cha-cha, reggaeton, calypso, Latin hip-hop, acid jazz, with forays into Latin house.

The band represented Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with the song Zaleilah, after winning the national final. Known for their stage energy, Mandinga created their own show brand, SALSA FEST, and a dance style called SALSAPHORIA, associating their image with good humor, dance, and the Latin spirit.

With around 300 concerts in 2007 (a record) and multiple appearances on popular Romanian television shows, Mandinga has firmly established its brand in the music landscape.