Esperanza Fernández
by Fátima Yráyzoz Aranda
(February, 2001)

From Seville, Triana, her pure gypsy voice has always been linked to the new generation and she dares to indulge in risky experiments along with great musicians like the the guitarist Gerardo Núnez. There is nothing that satisfies this gypsy woman more than finally being able to make her first solo record, and she confesses "for me it's like giving birth all over again".

Esperanza Fernández Vargas, with those surnames there's no doubt that flamenco comes down to you from all sides.

Yes, my parents are from Lebrija and Triana. My father's family, bullfighters, and my mother's, singers and dancers.

Do you consider yourself a fiesta singer?

Like any good aficionada I like to do all the forms, but I am most moved by the deepest ones like seguiriya and soleá. Although if I find myself at a fiesta I can defend myself quite well with bulerías.

It's the same with you as with many other artists who are more widely known abroad. Recently you've been in Paris and New York.

In New York I had a wonderful experience, because I was doing "El Amor Brujo". I did the first part with guitar and then "El Amor Brujo". The audience's response was perfect, and it's a city I love! In Paris I was with Chocolate, what a maestro! Just think of the responsibility I felt... In actual fact, foreign audiences are quite respectful; they don't say "olé!" because they don't know when they're supposed to say it, but when you come right down to it, when it's time for the applause... wow, they really know how to bring the house down!

Together with many other artists you've participated in a recording dedicated to Alberti, which is soon to be released. Interesting experience?

Yes, that's true. It was the last thing I did when I was pregnant, I sang a soleá accompanied by Miguel Ángel Cortés. But what I'm really waiting for now is for my solo record to come out. I don't want to get ahead of myself because you know, it's bad luck, but I can tell you I put everything into it, and it's been the greatest satisfaction that I could possibly enjoy after having given birth to my son. It's like giving birth all over again!

As a female flamenco singer, have you had any difficulties in this world of flamenco?

Well, from what I've heard from my father and what oldtimers have told me, women always took a back seat. But now, thank god, I haven't suffered that kind of discrimination, on the contrary, people have been very supportive, lots of men colleagues. I think that's over with and women now play an important role, not only in the music, but also in general.

And as far as admiring other women singers, who would you name?

Many, I would name Fernanda de Utrera, singing por soleá she's the best, her sister Bernarda, la Perrata, la Paquera, la Niña de los Peines of course. Many more, I don't know. I've noticed many of them. I think they are 'maestras' and young women like me have to learn from all of them.

Interview: Fátima Yráyzoz Aranda
Translation: Estela Zatania