On November 21, 2025, the iconic Mexican pop-rock band Maná once again electrified Los Angeles, performing at the Kia Forum in Inglewood and breaking a record that had stood for years. This show marked their 43rd arena performance in the L.A. area, officially surpassing Bruce Springsteen’s long-held record for most arena concerts in the region, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The event was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of the band’s enduring relationship with the city, its diverse Latino community, and its place in the annals of music history.
Maná’s arrival at the Forum was nothing short of regal. The USC Marching Band, the Inglewood High School band, and the Los Angeles Clippers Spirit Team greeted the band members as they made their way backstage, setting the tone for a night that would blend nostalgia, activism, and cross-generational joy. After their spectacle-filled entrance, a permanent wall installation was unveiled backstage, boldly declaring: “Mana - Kings of L.A.” According to Los Angeles Times, this tribute cements Maná’s status as a local legend, a fixture in the city’s musical and cultural landscape.
The band’s roots in Los Angeles run deep. Formed in Guadalajara in the mid-1980s, Maná first played in L.A. in 1993, riding the wave of their acclaimed 1992 album ¿Dónde Jugarán los Niños? Since then, their music has become a soundtrack for countless Angelenos, heard everywhere from backyard parties to major sporting events. Their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded in 2016, stands as a testament to their influence and popularity in the city.
Maná’s connection to the city goes beyond just music. Their presence has helped shape the “Rock Angelino” scene, uniting Latin American immigrants and U.S.-born Latines across generations. Their concerts have become a place where stories and cultural heritage are passed down, as evidenced by fans like Maritza Castillo, who celebrated her 48th birthday at the Forum show. “I love Maná because it brings me back to my youth and they were the first concert I’d ever been to here in the States,” Castillo told Los Angeles Times. “My love for the band is now moving on to other generations. To have my son want to play their music in the car without me asking, I’m like, ‘Wait, you like Maná?’ So that’s made it all very exciting.”
Friday’s concert was also a moment for Maná to reflect on their social and political engagement. Earlier in 2025, following a wave of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids throughout Los Angeles, the band publicly condemned the actions, reaffirming their belief that immigrants and Latinos “make this country great.” Lead singer Fher Olvera told Los Angeles Times, “L.A. has always been very influential for us ... and we’ve seen the city evolved. We’ve seen that Latinos have continually gained power, but also that the problems facing the community here have grown, especially over the last few years.”
Olvera’s optimism for the future was clear, particularly regarding the growing influence of the Latino vote in the United States. “The power of Latinos will continue on after this [period], and Latinos will be the ones to change future elections,” he said. “And that scares [politicians], but there’s no way of going back.” Drummer Alex Gonzalez added that there hadn’t been any issues with ICE at their concerts since the onset of President Trump’s second term, but he urged Latinos to know and exercise their rights nationwide.
The band’s dedication to activism was on full display when they closed the November 21 concert with a rousing rendition of Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up.” Olvera belted out, “Get up, stand up / Stand up for your right / Get up, stand up / Don’t give up the fight,” following an impassioned speech about the Latino community and the importance of human rights. Guitarist Sergio Vallín explained, “I think it’s important to take advantage of the stage we have to share messages about the environment and human rights. [We’ve] also stood for something positive for our fans.”
Maná’s commitment to social causes is longstanding. Since their early tracks like “Falta Amor,” “Me Voy a Convertir en Un Ave,” and “Justicia, Tierra y Libertad,” the band has tackled themes of justice, freedom, and human rights. Their cover of Rubén Blades’ “Desapariciones” addresses the pain of Latin American dictatorships and the disappearance of citizens. In 1996, they founded the Selva Negra Foundation, named after their song “Selva Negra,” to protect species, restore ecosystems, and promote environmental education. Their advocacy for endangered sea turtles in Mexico is symbolized in their concert set designs, where sea turtle motifs are often prominent.
Earlier this year, Maná made headlines again when the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced their nomination for the 2025 induction class. Although they were not ultimately inducted, their nomination was historic—they were the first primarily Spanish-language act to receive such recognition. As columnist Alex Zaragoza wrote for Los Angeles Times, “This alone makes Maná’s nomination important in an increasingly global society. But when considering the Mexican band’s impact on Latin music, as well as the Trump administration’s increasing crackdowns on immigrants in the United States, their inclusion is imperative.”
As Maná prepares for the remaining seven shows at the Forum, their legacy in Los Angeles is secure. Their music continues to serve as a bridge between generations, cultures, and causes. For fans like Maritza Castillo and her family, the concerts are more than just entertainment—they are a celebration of identity, resilience, and hope. “I just keep trying to pass on our culture to the kids who are grown up and born in L.A.,” Castillo said, capturing the spirit that has made Maná not just the “Kings of L.A.,” but a lasting symbol of unity and pride for Latinos across the city.
With each performance, Maná reaffirms its commitment to both its musical roots and its social mission, proving that the power of rock en español—and the voices of those it represents—will continue to shape the cultural and political landscape of Los Angeles for years to come.
