Mano Negra's sound is mostly characterized by energetic, lively rhythms, symbolized by the title of their first album, "Patchanka", derived from the word "pachanga" (which is a colloquial term for "party"), and a distinct informality which allows the audience to get involved and feel close to their sound. Mixed music genres are present throughout their albums. Manu Chao is friends with Gogol Bordello and that group has covered Mano Negra's song "Mala Vida" on their own and with Chao beginning in 2006.