The reggaeton song "Marca Mandarina," performed by Oniel Bebeshito and El Taiger, is generating international interest in Cuban culture and the island's slang.
Less than two months after its release, this song has accumulated over 13 million views on YouTube. Many people dance to its rhythm without understanding the lyrics.
What is Marca Mandarina about?
"Marca Mandarina" is a reggaeton track rich in Cuban expressions, featuring terms deeply rooted in popular slang that can be challenging for other Spanish speakers to understand.
It’s hard to accept, but it’s a “love song.” The lyrics are addressed to a woman with whom the author presumably had a relationship.
In the verses performed by El Taiger, the singer addresses the girl's supposed boyfriend, calling him "mandarin brand," among other insults.
The song has a humorous touch and brings to mind the playful banter typical of Cuban culture. A literal interpretation might be hurtful for some individuals. Despite that, this reggaeton track is the perfect choice if you want your ex to break up with their partner and get back together with you.
What does Marca Mandarina mean?
In Cuba, the term "mango" is used to describe a man who is attractive, appealing, sexy, and "edible." This comparison between the fruit and sensuality is commonly used in casual conversation.
In other songs, Oniel Bebeshito has mentioned that he is the "Mango brand." This means that he is the genuine and desirable brand, as everyone wants to experience his music.
Mango in Cuba tends to be large and juicy, and it is utilized in many ways in the culinary scene. They are eaten in slices, in juices, in smoothies, and most notably, they are sucked on, creating a vivid image that connects well with the essence of this song.
In contrast, Bebeshito and El Taiger bring the "Mandarina brand," based on the idea of a citrus fruit that is sour, small in size, and not very useful compared to the versatility of a fruit like mango.
The "Mandarina brand" represents mediocrity, something that doesn't quite reach popular taste, and that no one wants to wear or show off.
Translating the lyrics of "Marca Mandarina"
Your boyfriend is being shady with me, throwing subtle digs my way. Stop lying to him; tell him I was the one who broke you in. (Tell him I was your first man, your first sexual relationship.) What we have is lifelong, while his is just temporary. Let him know that when you're trying to act all high and mighty, I can still get with you, I already did. (The "gordo" can literally refer to the singer El Taiger, known for a popular dance track, or it can have a sexual connotation regarding the male member.)
It's me who annihilates you Let it burn out, let it burn out (Letting it burn out means not showing up, leaving it abandoned, alone and waiting). Tell him 'Papi, move along' (The expression "move along" means in Cuba "leave", "go your way without me"). Let it burn out, let it burn out Tell him to make his way down (Tell him to go, to move on without you, to head down his path) That he’s no mango brand That he’s a mandarin brand Aguaje, not tarrú, routine. (Someone who shows off, a braggart; who isn’t a loser; and finally "routine" is a term used to describe the attitude of "guapos" in Cuba, men who act overly brave, gesturing a lot or drawing attention in the marginalized neighborhoods of Havana. "They go with a whole lot of routine").
To catch your attention, take some pain reliever Having a sad situation also affects your flow Because you’re the typical, bland one While mine tastes exquisite (El Taiger plays with the accent here for the rhyme). Mandarina, you’re a citrus; among the mangoes, you don’t get a say. Because you’re a loser Listen, check it out: Anyone can lose their girl, Anyone can get cheated on.
It's me who annihilates you Titi, let it burn, let it burn Tell him 'Papi, move on' Let it burn, let it burn Tell him to start coming down He's not a mango brand That's a tangerine brand Aguaje, not tarú, routine.
I don't know what hurts you I don't know what your thorn is, coordinate Because that gets taken care of in China. All of that is tangerine brand. Oh oh oh, I slipped to two (2) I slipped to two (2) (Reference to Bebeshito's first album: "22 Caminos"). Don’t act tough, tough (A term referring to jail and "hard" men, experienced on the streets) I’m the mango brand.
It's me who will annihilate you Let it burn, let it burn Tell him 'Daddy, move along' Let it burn, let it burn Tell him to come down He's not a mango brand That's a tangerine brand Guava, not tarro, routine
You did a binding on the piece You performed a witchcraft or spell on the member or someone From aguaje, I can tell you're uptight Stop showing off, I can see you're stiff Get off me, you weigh too much Go over there with that face of yours, that one
It's me who annihilates you Let it burn, let it burn Tell him "Daddy, keep moving" Let it burn, let it burn Tell him to come down He's not a mango brand That's a tangerine brand Aguaje, not tarrú, routine.
Omarito with Cuco, the Dary hit in Miami, The charming one who told Arango, "Make sure to tie up all your pieces, They’ll be picked up by the Mango brand." And tra tra tra tra tra tra tra Richard Transimport. Hey Yhona, El Eruke, Papote, papote, papote; Ferrante. It’s said Ronald likes it, Because this is already hitting where it matters. TM, Ernesto Losa, Raulito warms up the timba (Cuban musical rhythm) Tin tin tin tin tin tin mandarin Raulito, Cuba Miami, There are 22 paths. Cuba in Miami, El Taiger, Eleguá... (Eleguá is an orisha, a Yoruba deity that the singer always mentions in his songs).
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