Line up 2018: Diego El Cigala

In the world of flamenco Diego El Cigala is a titan. In terms of voice, expression, soul, rhythm. Born in Madrid in 1968 the musical talent rooting in his family flew to him easily, making a living was harder. As a boy he used to sing in bars and taverns in the city’s Rastro quarter. Winning a talent show with 12, he started touring with the dance stars of flamenco. In 1997 he entered a solo career with huge success, because „El Cigala“ is seen as an incarnation of true flamenco art and way of life while also representing a very modern attitude towards tradition. His open spirit resulted in different crossover projects and with his album „Lágrimas Negras“, recorded with Afro-Cuban piano player Bebo Valdés, he won international fame. Another CD is devoted to Picasso, for whom he feels a special affection: „To me Picasso is the most intense painter in history. He is flamenco. He used to paint like a gitano sings. He lived a life of blood and fire.“ (From an interview by Wolf Reiser in MADAME.)

www.elcigala.com

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