London, UK – Amparanoia won the BBC Award for World Music in
the category of Europe. The
Madrid-based act is known for its mestizo (hybrid) style. The band is
led by Amparo Mercedes Sánchez, the female force behind Spain’s vibrant
mestizo music.
Amparo’s career negan in her native Granada. At 16, she formed her first
band, Correcaminos. She was also involved as a singer with other groups,
playing blues, jazz, rock’n’roll, and soul. Black music was her passion.
But Granada did not satisfy her expectations. At the beginning of ‘93 she
relocated to Madrid to cut her first record Haces Bien with Fábrica
Magnética. Since then, she has collaborated with numerous musicians,
performing blues, reggae, rancheras (traditional Mexican country ballads)
and rock.
Amparanoia is Amparo’s current project, a band that combines various
Spanish and global styles, creating a hybrid style known as mestizo music.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
