Rafael Riqueni del Canto was born in the Triana barrio (neighborhood) of Seville in 1962. He is one of the top guitarists in the world and belongs to the generation that comes after Paco de Lucía’s.
At the age of 15 he won the most prestigious national award for Flamenco guitar, the Ramón Montoya Award for concert guitar, given in Córdoba. Riqueni continued his training, performing at tablaos (Flamenco nightclubs) and accompanying famous Spanish singers and dancers. In 1981 Riqueni won another National award, this time in Jerez. As a result, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain commissioned him to play as a national representative.
In 1986 Riqueni recorded his first solo album performing his own compositions. Since then, he has developed his career as a composer and solo performer, although he still accompanies some top Flamenco singers.
Riqueni’s technique is faultless and implacable. He’s got a very elegant touch, full of sensibility and astonishing and rich melodies that evoke the unmistakable aroma of the Triana neighborhood where he grew up.
Rafael Riqueni stopped performing and recording in 1997 due to health reasons. In 2011, he made a comeback, performing with various well-known artists at festivals and working on a new album.
On February 16, 2024, Rafael Riqueni released Versatae, an album of extraordinary adaptations of timeless classics by Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, Whitney Houston, The Police, Santana, The Beatles, and others. The album also includes lush recreations of Ennio Morricone’s magnificent movie theme “Cinema Paradiso.”
Discography:
Juego De Niños (Nuevos Medios, 1986)
Flamenco (Flamencos Accidentales, 1987)
Mi Tiempo (Nuevos Medios, 1990)
Suite Sevilla (JMS Records, 1993)
Maestros (Discos Probeticos, 1994)
Alcázar De Cristal (Auvidis Ethnic, 1996)
Parque De María Luisa (Universal Music, 2017)
Versatae (Cleopatra Records, 2024)
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.
Updated biography and discography.