Maná facts for kids

"Sombrero Verde" redirects here. For the band's eponymous album, see Sombrero Verde (album).

Quick facts for kids Maná
Maná in Denver, Colorado, in 2023
Background information
Also known as	Sombrero Verde (1981–1987)
Origin	Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Genres	Latin pop rock pop-rock rock en español
Years active	1981–present
Labels	WEA International

Members	Fher Olvera Alex González Sergio Vallín Juan Calleros

Past members	Ulises Calleros Iván González Abraham Calleros César "Vampiro" López Gustavo Orozco Sheila Ríos

Maná is a famous Mexican pop rock band. They started in 1981. At first, they were called Sombrero Verde. The band's main members are Fher Olvera (singer and guitarist), Alex González (drummer), Sergio Vallín (guitarist), and Juan Calleros (bassist).

Maná is one of the most successful Latin American bands ever. They have sold over 45 million records around the world. They have won many important awards. These include four Grammy Awards and eight Latin Grammy Awards. They also have five MTV Video Music Awards Latin America.

After playing as Sombrero Verde for six years, they changed their name to Maná in 1986. Their first album as Maná came out in 1987. In 1992, they released ¿Dónde Jugarán Los Niños?. This album sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. It became the best-selling Spanish-language rock album of all time. Maná has continued to release popular albums. Their most recent album, Cama Incendiada, was released in 2015.

The band mixes different music styles. These include pop rock, progressive rock, Latin pop, calypso, reggae, and ska. They first became popular in Latin America and Spain. Now, they are famous all over the world.

The Story of Maná
Selva Negra Foundation
Maná and Social Issues
- FAO Ambassadors
Maná Band Members
Maná Albums
- As Sombrero Verde
- As Maná
Maná Tours
See also

The Story of Maná

How Maná Started (1986–1989)

Fher, lead singer

Maná officially formed in 1986. It included Fher Olvera (vocals), Ulises Calleros (guitar), and Juan Calleros (bass). These three had played together since the 1970s in a band called Sombrero Verde. That band broke up in 1983.

The three musicians looked for a drummer. They put an ad in a local newspaper in Guadalajara. A 15-year-old American drummer named Alex González joined them. Maná's first album, "Maná," came out on May 12, 1987.

The band later signed with Warner Music. Their second album, Falta Amor, was released. Two years later, a song from this album, "Rayando el Sol," became their first big hit. The band toured a lot to support the album. They played over 250 shows in many Latin American countries.

Becoming Super Popular (1990–1996)

Rock in Rio Madrid 2012

In 1991, two new members joined: Iván González on keyboards and César "Vampiro" López on guitar. Ulises Calleros stopped performing but became one of their managers. On October 27, 1992, the band released ¿Dónde Jugarán Los Niños?. This album had many hit songs. Some of these were "Oye Mi Amor" and "Vivir Sin Aire."

The album sold over three million copies worldwide. It became the best-selling Spanish-language rock album ever. Maná went on a huge international tour. They played 268 concerts in 17 countries.

In 1994, López and Iván González left the band. Fher Olvera and Alex González wanted to try new sounds. They searched for a new guitarist in Mexico, Spain, and Argentina.

Before finding a new guitarist, Maná released a live album called Maná en Vivo. Then, they chose Mexican guitarist Sergio Vallín to join the group. In 1995, the band recorded a Spanish version of a Led Zeppelin song. It was for a tribute album.

Lead singer Fher Olvera and Juan Calleros performing at Rock in Rio Madrid 2012

On April 25, 1995, the group released Cuando los Ángeles Lloran. This album had a different style. The band tried out funk and soul music sounds. Fher Olvera said they wanted to have fun and be a bit louder. At first, people had mixed feelings about the album. But it soon became very popular. It sold 500,000 copies in the United States in just five months.

More Success (1997–2007)

In 1997, the group released Sueños Líquidos. This album was about the ups and downs of love. It had popular songs like "Clavado en un bar" and "En el muelle de San Blas". The album was recorded in Puerto Vallarta. It was released at the same time in 36 countries. This album won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album.

The group also performed an acoustic show in Miami for MTV Unplugged. This performance was later released as an album in 1999.

In 2002, the band recorded Revolución de Amor. They wanted to mix their sound with rock and roll from the 1960s and 1970s. They won their fourth Grammy for this album. In 2003, they recorded a new version of "Eres mi Religión" with Italian musician Zucchero. They also performed with famous artists like Queen and Bono at a concert.

Fher Olvera performing at Rock in Rio Madrid 2012

In 2006, after a four-year break, they released their seventh album, Amar es Combatir. It quickly became very popular. The first song from the album, "Labios Compartidos," went straight to the top of the music charts. The tour for this album made over $35 million.

In 2008, Maná released a live album called Arde El Cielo. It showed the band performing during their "Amar es Combatir" tour.

Drama y Luz and Beyond (2008–Present)

On April 12, 2011, the band released their eighth album, Drama y Luz. The release was delayed a few times. The band said they wanted to make sure the album was perfect. The songs on the album talk about love, hope, and other important topics. The first song, "Lluvia al Corazón", became a number one hit.

In 2015, their most recent studio album, Cama Incendiada, was released.

In 2016, Maná received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a big honor for artists.

In 2018, Maná received the Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award. This award celebrates their long and successful career. They were also honored as the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year.

In 2019, Maná announced their "Rayando el Sol Tour." They also released a new version of their classic song "Rayando el Sol" with Spanish singer Pablo Alborán.

In August 2021, Maná received the Icon Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. They also performed a new version of "El Reloj Cucú" with a young singer named Mabel.

In 2025, Maná was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the first time. They are the first Spanish-language rock group to be nominated.

Selva Negra Foundation

The Selva Negra Foundation ("Black Jungle Foundation") was started by Maná in 1995. It is led by Mari González and Augusto Benavides. The foundation helps protect the environment. They work on important projects. For example, with the help of the Mexican government, they have helped save sea turtles. They raised 140,000 turtle eggs to release them into the ocean.

In 2008, Maná and the Selva Negra Foundation were named "Champions of Health." This was by the Pan American Health Organization.

Maná and Social Issues

Maná in concert in Rock in Rio in Madrid in 2012

Maná is known for caring about social and political issues. The band has actively supported environmental causes and human rights. Their song "Eres mi religión" is often seen as having a spiritual and caring message.

Some of their songs are inspired by political ideas. For example, a song called "Me Voy a Convertir en Un Ave" is about people who are treated unfairly for fighting for justice.

Maná has also spoken about their support for Puerto Rico's self-governance. They believe the island should have more control over its own future. The band has also shown support for certain political leaders. Maná has taken strong stances on social issues. For example, they once removed a song collaboration from platforms because they disagreed with the views of another artist.

FAO Ambassadors

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) works to end hunger worldwide. Maná was chosen as FAO Ambassadors on October 16, 2003. Maná said their song "Justicia, Tierra y Libertad" (Justice, Land, and Liberty) is a message of hope. It is about working towards a world where no one is hungry.

Maná Band Members

Current Members

Bassist Juan Calleros and guitarist Sergio Vallín

Alex González, drummer

Fher Olvera — lead vocals, guitars, harmonica (since 1981)
Juan Calleros — bass guitar (since 1981)
Alex González — drums, percussion, backing vocals (since 1984)
Sergio Vallín — guitars (since 1994)

Former Members

Abraham Calleros — drums, percussion (1981–1984)
Gustavo Orozco — guitars (1981–1985)
Ulises Calleros — guitars (1981–1991)
César "Vampiro" López — guitars (1991–1994)
Ivan Gonzalez — keyboards, synthesizers, organ (1991–1994)
Sheila Rios — backing vocals (1992–2003)

Touring Musicians

Juan Carlos Toribio — keyboards, piano, flute (since 1994)
Fernando "Psycho" Vallin — guitars, bass, backing vocals (since 1997)
Luis Conte — percussion (1999)
Hector Quintana — percussion, backing vocals (since 2006)

Maná Albums

Members and additional band in 2012