Musician of the Week: Diego El Cigala

Diego El Cigala is a Spanish gypsy flamenco singer.

According to the Chan Centre web site, Diego El Cigala’s earthy, exultant and richly emotive voice marks him as one of the great singers of the century. He is well known for the highly celebrated album Lágrimas Negras, recorded with legendary Cuban pianist Bebo Valdés, and his gravelly voice has captured the hearts of millions.

The Gitano singer from the Lavapiés district of Madrid is one of the great interpreters of the classical flamenco song, the cante jondo, as well as an innovator and bridge-builder to other traditions. In Cigala’s voice, flamenco, tango, Latin jazz, bolero and son meld into a warm musical world without borders. The BBC calls him "flamenco royalty," and urges audiences to "...just listen to his extraordinary sobbing voice."

Diego played at the Chan Centre in October 2014.

A pre-concert film screening of NFB documentary Opre Roma: Gypsies in Canada (1999) took place at 6:30pm the the Royal Bank Cinema at the Chan Centre prior to Diego El Cigala’s performance, free for ticket holders.

Here is Diego El Cigala performing one of his songs: