Chanquita: The Rebirth and Echo of Cante Jerezano

Pedro Montoya Junquera, artistically known as Chanquita, was born in Jerez de la Frontera in 2003. At just 21 years old, he has become one of the youngest and most promising voices in Jerez flamenco, a voice that has arrived to stay and revitalize the cante with the force of its sincerity and its duende. Despite his young age, his singing exudes the depth and wisdom of someone who has grown up breathing the tradition of the land of flamenco par excellence.

Career

The nickname Chanquita is a family legacy that Pedro carries with pride, a link that connects him to his grandfather, Luis Montoya Carrasco, and his great-grandfather, Luis Montoya Loreto, both known in the flamenco world by this nickname. For Pedro, this name is not just a sign of identity but a bridge between generations, a link to the living history of Jerez cante.

Although his career is still brief, his talent has been enough to win over even the most demanding fans. His debut at Peña Flamenca Torres Macarena in Seville, in March 2022, marked a turning point. There, accompanied by the guitar of Manuel Delgado “El Chino Brenes”, Chanquita left an indelible mark with a performance of seguiriyas that quickly went viral, generating thousands of views on YouTube and sparking social media buzz. That moment, captured on video, showcased the intensity and maturity of a young cantaor who, without pretensions, gives himself completely to the tradition, feeling in his soul every palm, every guitar strum.

Musical Style

What distinguishes Chanquita is his ability to convey the deepest emotion of cante jondo, the kind that is not learned in books or classrooms, but in the very air that is breathed in the patios and taverns of Jerez. His singing is a direct conversation with the duende, a whisper that becomes a shout when necessary, but always maintaining the honesty and elegance that the most profound cantes demand.

Recognitions and Criticism

”The singing of Chanquita is a resurgence of the soul of Jerez. He feels what he sings and transmits it in a unique way.”

— Revista Flamenca

”This young cantaor has the essence of Jerez in his throat. Without a doubt, he is one of the voices of the future of flamenco.”

— El País

”A prodigy of sincerity and duende. Chanquita has something that can’t be taught, it’s simply in his blood.”

— Diario de Jerez

Performances and Tours

Although still young, Chanquita has begun to stand out on the main flamenco stages. Some of his most relevant performances include:

• Peña Flamenca Torres Macarena (Seville)
• Tablao El Arenal (Seville)
• Festival de Jerez
• Festival Internacional de Cante de las Minas (La Unión)

Collaborations

Chanquita has worked with some of the most respected flamenco artists, such as:

1. Manuel Delgado “El Chino Brenes” - Guitarist who accompanied him on his debut at Peña Flamenca Torres Macarena.
2. Antonio Reyes - Jerez cantaor with whom he has shared the stage at various festivals.
3. Juan José Suárez “Paquete” - Guitarist who has collaborated on his first musical projects.

Discography

Though his career is still emerging, Chanquita has released his first album, which has been enthusiastically received by critics and fans alike. The album stands out for:

• A voice full of depth and duende.
• Sincere performances full of emotion.
• Collaborations with renowned guitarists like “El Chino Brenes”.

Featured Albums

• ”Renacer” (2023) - His first album, which reflects his artistic maturity and connection to the Jerez tradition.

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Social Media

• Instagram: @_pedromontoya

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Teaching

Despite his youth, Chanquita has begun to pass on his knowledge of flamenco to new generations. He has given some classes and workshops at the Escuela de Flamenco de Jerez, where he shares his vision of interpreting cante jondo and the importance of keeping flamenco tradition alive.