Mala Vida

This article is about the Mano Negra song. For the Argentine film, see La Mala Vida.

"Mala Vida" is the second single^[1] by French rock group Mano Negra, appearing on their 1988 debut album Patchanka. Written by lead singer Manu Chao, the song also appeared on a 1984 demo tape of the same name by Hot Pants, a predecessor to Mano Negra. "Mala Vida" was an early hit for Mano Negra^[2] and became a staple of the band's live shows^[3] and has been covered by several artists. The song has also been performed by Chao as a solo artist; a live performance of the song by Chao was recorded for his 2002 album Radio Bemba Sound System. Boucherie Productions, who published Patchanka, financed a music video for the song, which received airplay on national radio stations and TV channels in France.^[4] Mano Negra's success with the release of "Mala Vida" led the band to a contract with Virgin.^[1]

"Mala Vida"
Song by Mano Negra
from the album Patchanka
Released	1988 (1988)
Genre	French rock Latin alternative worldbeat rock en Español ska-punk
Length	2:53
Label	Boucherie Productions/Virgin France
Songwriter	Manu Chao
Producer	Mano Negra

Cover versions

Notable cover versions of "Mala Vida" include:

• Yuri Buenaventura, on the 2001 tribute album Mano Negra Illegal
• Café Tacuba, on their 2005 live album Un Viaje (album)
• Gogol Bordello, on their 2005 EP East Infection
• Nouvelle Vague featuring Olivia Ruiz, on their 2010 album Couleurs Sur Paris
• Элизиум (Elisium), on their 2014 album Cover Day
• Belgian pop-punk band Janez Detd.