The reggaeton song "Marca Mandarina", performed by Oniel Bebeshito and El Taiger, is sparking international interest in Cuban culture and slang from the island.
Less than two months after its release, this song has accumulated over 13 million views on the YouTube platform. Many people are dancing to its rhythm without understanding the lyrics of the song.
What is Marca Mandarina about?
"Marca Mandarina" is a reggaeton song filled with Cubanisms, terms deeply rooted in popular slang, which are difficult for other Spanish speakers to understand.
It's hard to assimilate, but it's a "love song". The lyrics are directed to a woman with whom the author supposedly had a relationship.
In the verses performed by El Taiger, the singer addresses the girl's supposed boyfriend and calls him "mandarin brand," among other insults.
The song has a playful touch and recalls Cuban teasing. If taken literally, it can be hurtful to some people. Despite that, this reggaeton is the perfect theme if you want your ex to end their relationship and get back together with you.
What does "Marca Mandarina" mean?
In Cuba, the term "mango" is used to characterize a man who is "hot", desirable, sexy, and "edible". The comparison between the fruit and sensuality is used colloquially in conversation.
Oniel Bebeshito had said in another one of his songs that he is the "Mango brand." This means that he is the authentic and desirable brand, because everyone wants to savor his music.
Mangos in Cuba tend to be large, juicy, and are used in many ways in gastronomy. They are eaten in slices, juices, smoothies, and most importantly, they are sucked on, which creates an interesting image to connect with the essence of this song.
In contrast, Bebeshito and El Taiger introduce the "Mandarina brand", based on the concept of a citrus fruit, with a sour taste, small size, and limited usability compared to the versatility of a fruit like mango.
The "Mandarina brand" is mediocrity, that which does not quite appeal to the general public, that which nobody wants to wear or show off.
Translating the lyrics of "Marca Mandarina"
Your boyfriend is badmouthing me (Your boyfriend is constantly offending me) Throwing subtle jabs at me (Throwing indirect criticism at me).Don't tell him any more liesTell him it was me who broke you in. (Tell him I was your first man, your first sexual relationship).What's yours and mine is for lifeAnd his is just for a little while there.Tell him that when you act all high and mighty with me,I'm the one who handles you, handled you. (The "gordo" could have a literal interpretation in reference to the singer El Taiger with whom you have a great song to dance to, or a sexual connotation as a reference to the male genitalia).
I am the one who annihilates you Let it burn, let it burn (Leaving it burned is not going to the meeting, leaving it abandoned, alone and waiting). Tell him 'Daddy, walk' (The expression "walk" in Cuba means "go", "move on your way without me"). Let it burn, let it burn Tell him to go down (Tell him to leave, to move on without you, to go down his path) That he is not a "marca mango" That's a "marca mandarina" Aguaje, not tarrú, routine. (That he brags, is showy; that he's not a cuckold; and finally "routine" is how the attitude of the "brave Cuban men" is called, men who show too much courage, when they gesticulate a lot or draw attention in marginal neighborhoods of Havana. "They go with tremendous swagger").
To throw you a salute, take a Duralgina (To help you, take a painkiller).Having sad "piss" also affects urineBecause you are typical, flavorlessAnd mine tastes exquisite (El Taiger changes the accent of the word to make it rhyme).Tangerine, you're a citrus fruit, you don't have a say among mangosBecause you're a foolThere! Listen, look, hodgepodge!:Anyone can lose their girl,Anyone can get into trouble.
I'm the one who annihilates you Titi, let it burn, let it burn Tell him 'Daddy, walk' Let it burn, let it burn Tell him to come down That he's not 'marca mango' That's 'marca mandarina' Aguaje, not tarrú, routine.
I do not know what hurts you. I do not know what your thorn is, coordinate. That is taken care of in China. All of that is Mandarin brand. Ay ay ay, it slipped away (2). It slipped away (2) (It is a reference to the title of Bebeshito's first album: "22 Caminos"). Do not act tough, tough one (Term used to refer to jail and also to tough men with a lot of street experience). The mango brand is me.
I'm the one who annihilates you Let it burn, let it burn Tell him 'Daddy, walk' Let it burn, let it burn Tell him to step down That he's not top-notch That's top-notch mandarin brand Aguaje, not tarrú, routine
Pri pri pri pri pri pri pri prima You did a binding spell on [the member/virile member] (You did sorcery or a spell on the virile member or someone) From aguaje, I notice you rigid (Stop showing off, the exaggeration, I notice you stiff) Get off me because you weigh me down Go that way with that face, that face (Colloquial expression meaning "stay away from me, I don't believe you")
I am the one who annihilates you Let it burn, let it burn Tell him 'Papi walks' Let it burn, let it burn Tell him to come down That he is not top-notch That's top-of-the-line Aguaje, not tarrú, routine.
Omarito with El Cuco, Dary stuck in Miami, The cocky one who told Arango to tie up all his pieces The mango brand will take them. And tra tra tra tra tra tra tra Richard Transimport Listen Yhona, El Eruke, Papote, papote, papote; Ferrante. Who says Ronald likes That this is already catching on where there is TM, Ernesto Losa Raulito heats 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, Yoruba deity that the singer always greets in his songs).
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled under:
