Juan Villar, Flamenco singer
Fátima Yráyzoz Aranda
2001

When it comes to this singer from Cádiz, everyone agrees that he's in the best moment of his life. His experience has made him a classic in the festive songs, and he has sung for almost all the great dancers, but Juan considers himself a complete singer.

Photo: Anahí Cármody

The critics say you're living your best moment. Do you agree with that?

I think I'm at my peak, with more experience, in fact at one of the crossroads of my life.

Are you readying your repertoire to sing in theaters?

No, I never prepare repertoire because I'm a singer who keeps singing along, however it happens to come out, but of course, I think somewhat before going out there.

Juan, you started out singing for dancing. Did this serve you any purpose?

I've sung for the best dancers in Europe, for Tati, Manuela Carrasco, Trini España, Farruco, Güito, in other words a string of artists who made it very much worth the
effort. But I have to confess, I feel good in all the cantes, but the truth be told, it's an uphill struggle, I've been pigeon-holed as a singer of festive cantes, but I do all the rest of the cantes and what's more, I prefer soleá to bulería.

And when can we expect your next record?

I hope that by the middle of March, 2001 my new album will be on the market, a recording that I'm very pleased about. I was fortunate enough to have some very good people collaborating.

Juan, as a veteran, what's your opinion about the direction this music is taking?

I don't think it's in a dangerous moment, because flamenco will always be flamenco. The thing is, there's a lot of fusion these days, among the young people, and I think it's very logical and beautiful, as long as it's without forgetting the roots.

Don't you think that in Andalusia they've forgotten to promote it?

Well, of course right in my home town of Cádiz, I have to admit that there's no course of action to make things move forward. There are many 'aficionados', very young, Seville had a good era, but Madrid continues to be the principal arena.

Are your children interested in flamenco?

I've got two sons who are following the tradition of cante, Juan and Antonio, 24 and 16 years old respectively, although they sound like today's young people, but when they want to and need to, they do everything pure. I started out in the 'chirigotas' in Cádiz when I was very small, I've lived the heart of the carnival, but I was more strongly drawn to flamenco cantes....

Fátima Yráyzoz Aranda
Translation: Estela Zatania