Manuel Moreno Junquera, better known under his artistic name Moraito Chico, was born on September 13, 1955 in Jerez de la Frontera’s barrio de Santiago (Santiago district) in a renowned Gypsy musical family. His uncle was the well known Flamenco performer Manuel Morao and his father was guitarist Juan Morao.
At 10, Moraito Chico started performing at ‘Jueves Flamencos’ (Flamenco Thursdays) in Jerez. During the 1980s he worked at Madrid’s leading flamenco nightclubs such as Los Canasteros and La Venta del Gato.
Although he accompanied some of the leading flamenco singers throughout the years, he was known as the habitual guitarist that performed with renowned Flamenco singer José Merce.
Moraito Chico released two solo albums: Morao y Oro (Auvidis, 1992) with Juan Moneo El Torta (vocals) and Chicharrito (palmas, jaleo and cajón); and Morao, Morao (Mercurio, 1999) which featured La Venta, Navajita Plateá, Luis ‘El Zambo’, María Vala and Los Marismeños.
Moraito Chico’s guitar appeared on many albums by Niña Pastori, José Mercé, Juncales de Jerez, Jose Soto “Sorderita” and Jerez canta a Manuel Alejandro.
Moraito Chico received many awards, including two national guitar awards, the 1984 Copa Jerez, the Charles Cros award (1993), Premio de la Asociación Nacional de Críticos de Arte Flamenco (1999), and best guitar accompanist in 2001.
Moraito Chico’s legacy continues with his son, Diego del Morao, who has become a reputable Flamenco guitarist.
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.
Con toda corazon – nuestro pesame. The world grieves with his passing. The Flamenco world is poorer today…
May he rest in peace with his Lord.
The Lord is dancing today …por bulerias al compás de Jerez. You will be missed down here Moraito.
You were one of my all time favorites, not only as a musician but as a human being also. Thanks for making this planet a nicer place to be, i’ll treasure you forever.
This is a great loss that leaves me deeply saddened. He was a wonderful musician with a unique voice and a deep spirit that seemed to embody flamenco and encompass the whole flamenco community.
Still greatly missed, thank you for the music