Romanian-based band Mandinga kicks off 2026 the only way they know how: with “Mala,” a brand new single that drops today alongside a scorching music video.
“Mala” has everything it takes to become one of the year’s most-played tracks: an irresistible hook that will live rent-free in your head, an urban attitude delivered over modern Afrobeat production, and a Barbara Isasi completely unleashed, in the best shape of her artistic life. “Cali mala, pura diabla.”
Barbara is finally showing the side of herself she kept hidden. “Mala” is not a character. It’s her, unfiltered.
In an industry where women are often objectified, told how to look, how to sing, and how “nice” to be, Barbara takes control of the narrative. She sets the rules. She decides when, where, and how. And if that bothers someone? Even better.
“I wrote Mala for myself, but I know I’ll have every woman who’s tired of being ‘nice’ standing behind me. Mala is about the moment when you stop filtering everything, stop being polite, stop smiling on command. It’s about allowing yourself to be exactly who you are, without apologizing for it. And honestly? I love how it sounds, I love how it looks from the outside, but what I love most is how it feels”
says Barbara.
Chupi Tool, Mandinga’s founding member, drummer, and producer, adds:
“I knew from the first few seconds that Mala was different from anything we’ve ever done. Beyond everything that defines Mandinga’s DNA, we promised ourselves we’d open new production lanes in the urban Latin space, so we can deliver each message in the way that fits it best.
Mala is the perfect definition of what Mandinga means in 2026: no compromises, focused on story over form. If the message calls for urban, we go urban. That doesn’t mean we’re not preparing new music for traditional Mandinga fans – salsa, bachata, everything that’s defined us – but it means we’re no longer limiting ourselves. On Mala, Barbara walked into the studio with an energy I’d never seen before, and I knew we just had to get out of her way. The result is magic.”
Chupi Tool
For all of the above – and for many other things you’ll discover when you press play – “Mala” doesn’t get released. It happens. And like any declaration of independence, it doesn’t ask permission to enter any playlist. It just does.
“Mala” is available now on all streaming platforms and comes with a scorching music video.
The video, directed by Rimenescu, presents Barbara in ways you may have sensed before, but this time they’re front and center, impossible to ignore: dominant, sensual, surrounded by her crew. Every frame communicates the same message as the lyrics – she leads, the rest follow. Choreography by Ruxandra Timoașcă, with dancers Teodora Dutca, Mihai Ioana Mihaela, and Ioana Alexandra Grămadă completing the energy.
On the music production side, “Mala” is the creation of the entire Mandinga team. But there’s a remarkable premiere here as well.
Executive production is signed by Dani Joo (Dan Ioan Plohi) who, at just 17 years old, steps up in a major way. Dani is already one of the most talented bassists in Romania, but “Mala” marks his debut as executive producer on a major project.
Remember the name Dani Joo – because “Mala” is just the beginning. At 17, most people are still figuring things out. He just signed the first page of what promises to be a spectacular career. Mix and master by Dragomir Gabriel-Iulian, who needs no introduction to anyone in the industry. His production portfolio speaks for itself.
About Mandinga
If you’ve been to a festival in Eastern Europe in the last twenty years and suddenly found yourself dancing without knowing why, there’s a good chance Mandinga was on stage.
Mandinga has been Europe’s Latin powerhouse for over two decades now. Big brass, high-energy shows, hooks that stick, and a fanbase that dances first and asks questions later.
In 2026, that same DNA shows up with a sharper edge: “Mala” is Mandinga stepping fully into the modern Afrobeat-Latino / Latin Urban lane – still built for movement, now engineered for replay. It’s the same band that made crowds explode onstage, translating that energy into a hook that sticks on your first listen: “Mala, mala, mala / Cali mala, pura diabla.“
More than a band, really. Mandinga is a state of mind. A vibrant energy that comes from musicians who live for the moment and build memories with their audience, not just performances. Twenty plus years on the road will do that to you.
Unapologetically Latin. Built for the stage. Made for dancing.
Now with a little more danger in the smile.
