Flamenco singer Fosforito, is awarded the fifth 'Llave de Oro' in the history of flamenco. The cantaor from Puente Genil will receive the distinction on 11th October at the Teatro Cervantes in Malaga. The award will be presented by the Andalusian Regional Council. Only Tomás el Nitri, Manuel Vallejo, Antonio Mairena and Camarón de la Isla have previously received this coveted award. Backed by a professional career spanning sixty years, the vocalist has left a legacy of almost thirty album recordings, as well as cantes he created himself such as the polo, the zángano, the debla and the taranto de Almería. Malaga provincial council requested that the 'golden key' be awarded the artist on the grounds of “his work to dignify flamenco and give it universal appeal, the significance of his creative contributions to the artform, and his work to the revitalize neglected styles.” The cantaor, admired by flamenco-lovers of every description, already boasts the Premio Nacional de Cante, awarded by Jerez's Cátedra de Flamencología (University of Flamenco), the Compás del Cante, the Premio Ondas and the Pastora Pavón ‘Niña de los Peines’ Award, presented him by the Andalusian Department for Culture in 1999.

More information: Tribute to Fosforito (Cordoba, 2001) Interview with Fosforito, cantaor (Flamenco Hoy, 1999)