Manuel Valencia, from Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, grew up under the guidance of his uncle, Fernando Terremoto, who nurtured his deep love for the guitar. Over the years, Valencia has honed his skills and become a prominent figure in the contemporary flamenco scene. He has accompanied numerous artists worldwide, including Fernando Terremoto, Jesús Méndez, Vicente Sordera, La Macanita, Agujetas, José Mercé, and Gerardo Núñez.
Valencia’s career reached a turning point when he began receiving several awards:
- 2014: Giraldillo Revelación, Festival Flamenco de la Mistela
- 2014 Venencia Flamenca al Toque, Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla
- 2018: Nuevo Compán, Fundación Cruzcampo
- 2018: Guitarra con alma (Guitar with Soul), Festival de Jerez
- 2023: Best Original Composition, Festival de Jerez
In 2016, he released his first album, Entre Mis Manos.
Regarding his heritage, Valencia states, “I am Gitano (Spanish Gypsy) on both sides. My father’s family comes from Lebrija, the Valencias, like the cantaor. My father is Valencia Carrasco and also related to the Guerreros from La Macanita. On my mother’s side, the Medranos from Sanlúcar. I also have the surnames Carpio and Pantoja, from the folkloric Pantojas. Valencia, Medrano, Carrasco, Pantoja, Guerrero, Jiménez, Vargas, and Carpio. Eight Gitano surnames.”
Valencia’s project “Las Tres Orillas” stems from a personal need to introspectively capture the musical and artistic transformation that occurs within oneself as life’s journey demands a change in direction. Despite the ever-present companions of singing and dancing, which provide unavoidable and inspiring waypoints, the profound transformation takes place in absolute solitude, moving from one shore to another.
“Entre Cuatro Paredes
A Tres Orillas Navego
Donde El Alma Me Lleve
Paisajes De Locura y Sueño”
“Between Four Walls
I Navigate Three Shores
Wherever My Soul Takes Me
Landscapes of Madness and Dreams“
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.