Concha Buika

• Genre: Flamenco/Fado

About

Born in Spain to parents who'd emigrated from Equatorial Guinea, Concha Buika grew up among the gypsies of Mallorca, absorbing the sounds and duende of flamenco. Her household was infused with music -- she grew up playing piano, guitar and bass, and her entire family played instruments and sang. As a teenager she began singing in tourist hotels, which led to stints in both London and Vegas, but it wasn't until she moved to Madrid that Buika found a community of artists that nurtured her vision. Her debut album marked her as an up-and-coming star of flamenco music; the follow-up, 2006's Mi Nina Lola, became required listening. Though her recordings are remarkable, Buika is renowned for her live shows, which feature lots of improvisation, banter and detours into jazz and soul music.

- Sarah Bardeen