Mandinga is a Romanian Latin-pop band that infuses the energetic sounds of Cuban music with Balkan influences to create a vibrant, dance-inducing musical blend. The group was founded in 2002 by bassist and composer Basasteanu Vlad and initially started with a Cuban flavor but over the years has incorporated more pop and European elements into their sound. Their lineup has seen changes, with the most notable being the lead vocalists – from Elena Gheorghe who fronted the band until 2005, to their second vocalist, Elena Ionescu, who was the voice of their breakout hit "Zaleilah," which brought them international fame as Romania’s entry in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest.
Over the years, Mandinga has remained a prominent name in the European music scene, particularly in the Eastern European market, where their fusion music has a significant following. They are known for their lively performances and an infectious mix of genres that guarantee a musical feast. The band truly embraces multicultural sounds, as evidenced by their diverse repertoire which includes hits like "Kamasutra," and "Pura Vida," as well as interesting genre-splicing versions of popular songs like "Levitating" and "Con Calma," where they apply salsa rhythms to contemporary pop chart-toppers, showcasing their ability to reinterpret and breathe new life into well-known tracks.
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