Gipsy Kings' launch Flamenco tour in Mumbai and Pune

Gipsy Kings performed at the Hard Rock Cafe in Mumbai and Pune last week

Their performance over the weekend across Mumbai and Pune marked Grammy Award-winning group Gipsy Kings' first visit to India. The group of flamenco, salsa and pop musicians from Arles and Montpellier in the south of France belted out some of their international hits like Bamboléo, Yobi Yoba and Volare, among others. "We knew that the music scene in India is great. We were also fascinated with the country's diversity and culture. Indians are lovely and warm. India felt like home. We were also excited because my son accompanied us on stage for both the performances," says band member Manolo Gimenez.

Gipsy Kings sing only in Spanish, but are embraced throughout the world. Asked what makes their style of music so popular, Gimenez explains, "Our music is our culture and our audiences have similar hearts everywhere in the world. So, we give everything to them through our music. They understand us because we all share the same emotions."

The track Bamboléo from their third album became a worldwide success. Gimenez attributes the track's uniqueness to its popularity. "The exotic rhythms were probably a breath of fresh air. Everyone liked it even though it is sung entirely in Spanish, because the music and rhythm transcend language. I think that was the uniqueness of Bamboléo," he says. The band has often been criticised by flamenco purists for their take on the original sound. But the criticism doesn't deter the outfit. "Flamenco is music from the heart and soul. Our music is the same, but we have modernised it and stayed with our core essence of gypsy music."

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