“Mr. Bobby,” a 1998 song by Manu Chao, is highlighted in the latest episode of Playing For Change’s Song Around The World series, merging hip-hop and reggae to honour Bob Marley’s legacy of hope and unity. This version includes contributions from artists like Mayan rapper Tzutu Kan and Jamaican guitarist Elly B, enriching it with global cultural elements.

Initially released as a stripped-down track on the Bongo Bong single, emphasising Manu Chao’s vocals and guitar work, the song evolved in live performances to include richer reggae arrangements and broader world influences, while still promoting themes of global unity. It also appears on Chao’s 2001 album Próxima Estación: Esperanza, as a homage to Marley with lyrics and melodies that reflect his messages of peace and resistance.

In the Song Around The World version of “Mr. Bobby,” Manu Chao leads with vocals and acoustic guitar, infusing the track with his unique musical style. Alana Alberg complements this with deep bass lines, and Daande Lenol adds vibrant percussive elements, giving the song additional depth. Guitarists Louis Mhlanga and Elly B introduce Afro-Caribbean uptempo influences to the melody, while vocalists such as Ali MC Pm from Kombilesa Mí, Tzutu Kan, Geovane Mussulmano, and Lukey contribute with their unique and organic rhyming. The production is completed by NAOBA on the drum machine and David Satori’s drum programming, which mixes traditional and electronic rhythms. Manuel Pérez Salinas on the güiro and Guiney Filho with additional percussion enhance the Latin American and tonal textures, while The Ukäi Band’s choir harmonies add to the song’s rich cultural diversity.

Manu Chao is set to release his new album Viva Tu on the 20th of September, marking his first album since 2007. Inspired by his travels, the album explores global issues and features collaborations with artists such as Willie Nelson and French singer Laeti. Among the singles, “São Paulo Motoboy” stands out, offering a documentary-style insight into the lives of motorcycle couriers in São Paulo.

Playing For Change, founded in 2002 by Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke, connects people globally through music. Starting with a mobile recording studio, the project has grown to include over 1,200 musicians from 60+ countries in its videos, promoting global unity and supporting children’s music and art education worldwide.

You can find more info about the project HERE