Analysis of Gypsy perfomrance group - Essay Example

Their parents were Spanish Romani people who had fled from Catalonia during the time of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930’s. (BBC) However, an exception was Chico Bouchikhi who was of Moroccan and Algerian descent. (BBC) The group was quite famous for introducing audiences to a pop- oriented music the ‘Rumba Catalana’ that was distantly derived from the traditional Flamenco music but with pop influences. (BBC) Their music well suited social dances like the ‘Rumba’ and the ‘Salsa’ which became quite popular.

The band members were of Spanish Gipsy origin and their growing years were spent in making music while traversing the south of France and harvesting. Their roots were steeped firmly in Romany tradition. In their initial stages the group played at weddings and parties or just jammed on the streets of Cannes. They made use of South America’s rumba rhythm along with the flamenco guitars and introduced the world to the ‘Rumba Gitano’ with their classy debut titled ‘Bambolero’. (Official Home page, gipsykings.com) Thus they began their epic musical journey and there was no turning back for them.

Though their lives have changed with their popularity, they still remain gypsies at heart. (Official Home page, gipsykings.com) The members hardly speak any English. They converse and sing in ‘Gitane’ which is a Gypsy dialect that involves both Spanish and French. The popularity of the group is driven by their upbeat and danceable music. The Gipsy’s lead singer is Nicolas Reyes who is the son of the famous Flamenco singer Jose Reyes who during the 60’s and the 70’s sold millions of records after having joined forces with his friend Manitas de Plata.

The duo contributed a great deal towards placing the ‘Flamenco’ on the map of international music. The Gipsy Kings comprise of two families of brothers. On one hand, we have the Reyes family with Nicolas, Canut, Paul, Patchai, Andre, and on the other we have the