Flamenco legend in the making.
Duquende is one of the great flamenco singers living today. He is considered one of the heirs to the legendary Camaron de la Isla, who invited Duquende on stage when he was only nine years old. Accompanied by Camaron himself on guitar, it was a true flying start of his career. Through a long and distinguished career spanning four decades, Duquende has proved himself worthy of it.
Juan Cortés Rafael Santiago was born in Sabadell in 1965. The son of nomadic farmers, he got his devotion to singing from his ancestors. At the age of seven, he made his stage debut accompanied by the now famous flamenco guitarist Juan Manuel Cañizares. In 1997, he joined the sextet of Paco de Lucía.
His admiration for Cameron de la Isla continues. He is proud to have collaborated with both of Camaron’s two most famous guitarists, de Lucia and Tomatito. But Duquende also wants to expand the flamenco traditions, as attested by the success of his version of Leonard Cohen’s song ‘The Gypsy’s Wife’. He has played on some of the most beautiful venues on five continents, touching the audience with his voice and his singular personality. He has entered the pantheon of flamenco singers all on his own. His performance alongside Paco de Lucia at Oslo World in 2011 was unforgettable. We are proud to invite Duquende back to our 30th anniversary.
