Manu Chao Sings One for the Couriers on ‘Sao Paulo Motoboy’

On “Sao Paulo Motoboy,” Manu Chao narrates the ballad of a daredevil motorcycle courier weaving in and out of traffic in the Brazilian megalopolis to make a delivery, or he’ll be fired. The music takes a relaxed tempo, but the video, much of which is taken from the motorcycle equivalent of a dashcam, races through the streets as Chao raps about his epic hero driving through rain, falling, smelling gasoline, and yet continuing to drive. “My motorcycle is a plane,” goes one Portuguese lyric. The song will appear on Chao’s upcoming album, Viva Tu, his first in 17 years.

“São Paulo is a breathing beast,” Chao, who was once a courier in Paris himself, said in a statement. “And the couriers are the blood running through its veins, keeping it alive.”

In addition to “São Paulo Motoboy” and the previously released “Viva Tu,” the Viva Tu album — due out Sept. 20 — will hold 11 more songs, which the Parisian-born Chao presents in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English. He drew inspiration for the songs from traveling and speaking with people about their daily lives. Willie Nelson joins him on “Heaven’s Bad Day” and Laeti sings “Tu Te Vas” with him.

The artist released four full-lengths, including 1998’s Clandestino and 2001’s Próxima Estación: Esperanza. His most recent album, La Radiolina, came out in 2007. In 2016, he made a guest appearance on Calypso Rose’s song, “Leave Me Alone.”

Chao is currently on the road, touring across continental Europe. Full details are on his website.

Viva Tu track list:

1. “Vecinos En El Mar”
2. “La Couleur du Temps”
3. “River Why”
4. “Viva Tu”
5. “Heaven’s Bad Day” feat. Willie Nelson
6. “Tu Te Vas” feat. Laeti
7. “Coração No Mar”
8. “Cuatro Calles”
9. “La Colilla”
10. “São Paulo Motoboy”
11. “Tom et Lola”
12. “Lonely Night”
13. “Tantas Tierra”

From Rolling Stone US.