Venezuelan pop/rock foursome Malanga was formed in 1998 by ex-los Melodicos guitarist Rodolfo Pagliuca, aka Rudy, singer Arístides Barbella, drummer Juan Luciow, and ex-los Cañoneros bassist David Lasca, aka Chapis. In 1999, Malanga self-produced its first album, called Ta' Trancao, a mixture of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and rock. Released a year later, the album featured the hits "Sacame El Jugo," "Déjala," and "Te Vas." ~ Drago Bonacich