30 April 2013

Xenophilia and music. El Lebrijano

There's not much racism here in Spain where I live. People are used to foreign inhabitants, exchange students and tourists. No matter their skin colour, ethnicity, religion or upbringing. All are socially equal and acceptable. At least, until Spanish is spoken. Even if not, it's enough that your are a legally admitted resident, and they already think of you as of a Spanish person. It has it's historical reasons. But I think, it has most to do with the fact that Spain was a part of Al-Andalus (also known as the Moorish Iberia or Islamic Iberia) governed by Muslims (given the generic name of Moors) at various times between 711 and 1492.

Random piece of street art in Seville

In this context I'd like to present you an interesting flamenco singer (cantaor), Juan Peña "El Lebrijano". I like him a lot. And not because he's blonde. I like him for his way of expressing himself and voicing his feelings. You could say it's unusual, original. And you'd be right. There really are more and more Moorish influences found in his music. But, you know what, I just find him powerful. It's as simple as that. If you have patience, take a look at an assortment of the flamenco styles El Lebrijano masters.

Well, here he is in all his glory:


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