Fusing cultures and sounds

International in his vision and multilingual in his words, Manu Chao has been one of the most popular of politically engaged artists for more than a decade. Born in Spain and raised near Paris, the singer and songwriter has nourished his music with immersions into South American and Central American cultures, emerging with an organic mix of street music and traditional styles that form one of pop’s most distinctive fusions. Chao has been scarce on U.S. concert stages, but with a new album expected this summer, he geared up with a potent performance at Coachella in April, and comes to town for his biggest Los Angeles concert to date.

Manu Chao and Radio Bemba Sound System, Los Angeles Sports Arena, 3939 S. Figueroa St., L.A. Saturday, 8 p.m. $30. (213) 747-7111.