Urban flamenco has landed with force in our lives as a reflection of a new crossbreeding that flamenco art undergoes from time to time. The question we ask ourselves at ALL FLAMENCO is what is so special about this style of flamenco music that is so popular among young people.
From its humble beginnings in the streets of Andalusia to its elaborate performances in the most spectacular theatres, flamenco has proven to be a vibrant and exciting art form that continues to evolve over time.
As a result of his constant cultural presence, resistant to the passing of the decades, his music has been mixed with other artistic styles with which he has had to coexist. And just as Catalan rumba once made its mark with Peret or El Pescaílla – or Estopa, if we are looking at more modern music – urban flamenco, a fusion of rap, trap and reggae, with names such as Rosalía and Original Elías at the forefront of this phenomenon, looks set to stay.
Where did this urban flamenco come from?
Let’s go back to the beginning. Flamenco is a unique art form distinguished by its complexity and emotional intensity. Flamenco music and dance is based on a complex rhythm played primarily on a Spanish guitar, while the dance is known for its energy, passion and precision. He is also characterised by his emotive singing style and his ability to convey both the pain and joy of life.
This is how we arrive at urban flamenco, with its specific dance techniques and music that form a style of its own. In this highly topical music, traditional flamenco is combined with elements of the most modern music.
Although it may sound very innovative in this 21st century (Rosalía said when she released her second album in 2018: “I feel that the music I’m making is very experimental and very radical”), Its origins can be traced back to the 1970s, when gypsy rhythms were combined with funk and disco in the proposals of groups such as Las Grecas and Los Chorbos.
In 2017, a trap and flamenco festival called Urban Gypsy Jam was born, concentrating flamenco of gypsy origin with clownish musical tendencies in different venues in Madrid, or so its promoters described it. Until 2022, they have repeated dates with this urban flamenco every year. For 2023, there is still no timetable.
An uncertain future?
For many, urban flamenco artists are bringing the dance to new audiences and are helping to keep the tradition of flamenco alive in the 21st century. Over time, urban flamenco is likely to continue to evolve and adapt to the changing tastes of audiences around the world. But like all trends, it is necessary to wait until the enthusiasm generated by its fashionability wears off to see if it takes hold or if it is just a passing fad.
The second edition of the Sotogrande Music Festival will be held this summer, the emerging Cadiz event that will once again bring together great artists of very different styles, ranging from more traditional flavours such as the copla or Spanish songs, to the energetic current genres such as urban pop or rap.