The Gipsy Kings are universal. Based on flamequito or rumba-pop fusion, depending on who you ask, they continue to imbued concerts and enthuse different generations. At the Starlite Occident Gala in 2023 they have presented a record and have shown that they are still kings.
From the moment Gipsy Kings and Nicolás Reyes made their appearance in the Marbella auditorium of the Srtalite Festival, young and old stood up and never stopped dancing and singing. Because those of 20, those of 30, those of 40…, know their songs by heart: “Bamboleo”, “Tú quieres volver· or “Djobi, djoba”, among many others.
More than 25 years and 60 million copies sold since that album from 87 that catapulted them to worldwide success, but the group has never gone out of style. What’s their secret?
“At first I liked singing fandangos or tarantas more, until I discovered the rumba of the Catalan gypsies”, explains Nicolás in this interview.
Nicolás Reyes, uno de los fundadores de la banda original.
Cartel de su concierto en julio en la Starlite Occident. Lleno absoluto.
The Gipsy Kings now
These Gipsy Kings that have been seen in Starlite are not 100% original, but they do have the rights to play the songs of the initial band formed in 1987. In fact, Nicolás was the founding singer and Tonino Baliardo, the guitarist. The group is now Gipsy Kings by Nicolas Reyes, but depending on whether or not Reyes participates, it can be called “by Toni Baliardo”.
Toni’s two sons, Mikaël and Cosso, have been in the training since it began in 2014. On occasion, Baliardo has spoken of the great importance for him of transmitting the legacy to his descendants.
Taking advantage of their concert at this boutique festival, they also performed new songs from “Savor Flamenco”, their ninth studio album and their first release in six years. They produce and compose it themselves.
The other “gypsy” groups
The breakup in 2014 of the most international French band in history was quite dramatic and has made many headlines in the press. They split into small groups that acted with or without legal backing until only two remained. In addition to the one that could be enjoyed in Marbella, Andrés Reyes (Nicolás’s brother) and Chico Bouchikhi lead André Reyes ft. Gipsy Kings.
They claim to get along cordially. Some statements by André make clear the solution they have adopted: “There are no fights, there is nothing like that. Each one has their share of countries to play because each one has to work and make their life.”
Nicolás Reyes en Marbella
Toni Baliardo con los Gipsy Kings actuales.
Agotadas las entradas días antes de su actuación. Lleno total.
How successful are we talking?
The founders come from the French cities of Arles and Montpellier and belong to two gypsy families: Los Reyes, made up of Nicolas, Canut, Paul, Patchai and André, and Los Baliardos, whose members are Tonino, Paco and Diego. All are descendants of Spaniards who immigrated to France.
Furthermore, they are related to the most jondo flamenco. The former, because of his father, José Reyes, a well-known cantaor, and the latter, because they are relatives of the most important flamenco figure in France (now deceased), Manitas de Plata.
The first band from the early 70’s was called Los Reyes; in 1987, they say that due to “fault” of Brigitte Bardot, they are baptized as Gipsy Kings. That same year the album with the theme Bamboleo was released. Two years later, his second success would come with Volare. The artists became very popular in France, Europe and the Middle East. In 1988, the group embarked on their first tour of the United States and charted for 40 weeks.
They have sold more than 60 million records worldwide. They are part of movie soundtracks like The Big Lebowski or Toy Story 3. They have a Latin Grammy for best pop album of the year for Love and Liberté (1993), several gold records and a few platinum ones.
The key: a mix that works
The area where the formation was born (Montpellier, Arles…) is known as Catalunya Nord. The gypsy community that arrived from Spain is numerous. Exactly that community from which the bases of the Catalan rumba were born. So it was natural to extend it to the south of France.
The Gipsy Kings soaked up it, and also other styles such as pop, rock and sounds from Africa and Latin America. They combine Spanish and French with words from the Caló dialect. This particular blend has given them a unique stamp.
Over the years, they would incorporate Arabic music, reggae, and jazz guitar. They went from being a flamenco pop group to being under the current of “world music”.
This broad cultural mix has allowed the Gipsy Kings to acclaim wherever they play, from China to Brazil, New Orleans to Russia, Australia to Africa.
INTERVIEW AND CONCERT AT LA STARLITE MARBELLA
Thanks to Starlite Occident we can enjoy this interview with Nicolas Reyes and part of the concert they gave at the Marbella gala.