On November 16, World Flamenco Day, the VIII Manolo Sanlúcar International Awards will be presented at the Municipal Auditorium of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a venue that bears the name of the unforgettable guitarist Manolo Sanlúcar himself. These prestigious accolades are bestowed by the Flamenco School of Andalusia and are endorsed by the Provincial Council of Cádiz.
In total, sixteen statuettes will be awarded across thirteen distinct categories at this highly acclaimed gala. The roster of honorees is extensive and distinguished, encompassing flamenco luminaries like Juanito Villar, Rancapino, Merche Esmeralda, Serranito, María Terremoto, Peña Flamenca Juan Breva, Manuel Martín Martín, Pilar Vera, Festival de Mont-de-Marsan, Corral de la Morería, La Droguería Music, and Deflamenco.com. Notable musicians Jorge Pardo, Rubem Dantas, Carles Benavent, and Tino di Geraldo are also celebrated for their contributions to the genre.
The list of 2023 awardees is spearheaded by the veteran Cádiz singer Juanito Villar, who will be presented with the honorary award in recognition of his illustrious career and leadership during the era of grand summer festivals. In addition to him, Alonso Núñez Rancapino, Merche Esmeralda, and Víctor Monge Serranito, exceptional representatives of Spanish music, will receive awards in the singing, dancing, and playing categories, respectively. The talented María Terremoto secures the prize for young flamenco artists, a fresh voice for gypsy-style singing from Jerez.
Respected flamencologist Manuel Martín Martín, known for his contributions to El Mundo newspaper, is the recipient of the flamenco critic award. The historic Peña Juan Breva, one of the world’s oldest, is recognized as a sanctuary of Malaga culture and earns the flamenco peña award. The renowned Corral de la Morería in Madrid, founded in 1956, is the inaugural recipient of the tablao award, having hosted some of the greatest names in flamenco under the direction of Córdoba dancer Blanca del Rey.
In the instrumental category, four exceptional musicians who have played a pivotal role in the evolution of flamenco music are honored: Jorge Pardo, Carles Benavent, Rubem Dantas, and Tino Di Geraldo. The first three were part of Paco de Lucía’s legendary sextet, while percussionist Di Geraldo contributed his rhythm to Manolo Sanlúcar’s creations, enriching the world of flamenco.
The talented Pilar Vera Román, celebrated for her contributions to flamenco fashion, leads an international brand that is now an essential reference in the world of fashion. The award for record production goes to La Droguería Music, an independent label managed by producer Chemi López in Écija, which has significantly contributed to promoting quality flamenco music. The Mont-de-Marsan Festival in France is acknowledged for its exceptional international promotion of flamenco. Lastly, the Deflamenco.com portal is recognized for its outstanding contribution to flamenco communication, a tribute to the dedication and professionalism of its director, Rafael Manjavacas, who elevates amateur journalism.
The promoter of the International Flamenco Awards, the Andalusian Flamenco School (EFA), is a non-profit organization dedicated to the professional certification of flamenco training. It operates in more than one hundred cities worldwide, including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, the United States, Australia, China, Cuba, Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Panama, Venezuela, France, Portugal, Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Poland, Morocco, Russia, Lithuania, Ukraine, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, and Thailand. This extensive network highlights the global reach and significance of flamenco as an art form.
(headline image: Serranito – Photo by Paco Manzano)
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central