Rafael Fernández Ruiz, known artistically as Rafael del Zambo, is a renowned flamenco singer born in Jerez de la Frontera on April 9, 1990. He belongs to the prestigious Zambo family and is the son of Enrique el Zambo. His talent and deep connection with cante jondo have established him as a prominent figure in the flamenco world.

Career

Rafael made his debut with his family at the Potaje de Utrera flamenco festival. Over his career, he has participated in numerous flamenco clubs and festivals, including the Bienal de Sevilla with Gerardo Núñez, the Fiesta de la Bulería, and the Velada de las Nieves. Recently, he performed in Madrid at the García Lorca hall of Casa Patas.

Rafael del Zambo hails from Jerez and is part of one of the most important flamenco singing families, originating from La Sangre street in the Santiago neighborhood, a place steeped in the history of cante jondo. In just two years, he has participated in major events, including the Potaje de Utrera Festival, the Fiesta de la Bulería, and the Velada de las Nieves, as well as performances at the iconic Casa Patas and Teatro Conde Duque in Madrid.

Collaborations

Rafael Fernández Ruiz has worked with some of the biggest names in flamenco, bringing his distinctive touch to each collaboration. Some of the artists he has collaborated with include:

1. Gerardo Núñez - Prestigious flamenco guitarist with whom he performed at the Bienal de Sevilla.
2. Familia Los Zambos - With whom he has shared the stage since his beginnings.
3. Various flamenco shows - In which he has been part of the cast, including notable events in the Santiago neighborhood.

Musical Style

Rafael Fernández Ruiz’s style is a fusion of:

• Cante jondo: Preserving the legacy of pure flamenco.
• Spontaneity and rhythm: Characteristic of flamenco parties and festivals.
• Deep emotion: Each performance is charged with feeling and authenticity.

Performances and Tours

During the summer of 2016, Rafael toured America, performing in San Francisco, New York, and at the Teatro Mayor in Bogotá, Colombia, with great success. In May 2016, he received the award for singing at the Alcobendas Flamenca Nuevos Talentos Festival.

Throughout his career, Rafael has performed at major festivals and given numerous concerts both inside and outside Spain. Some of the most notable festivals include:

• Potaje de Utrera Festival
• Fiesta de la Bulería in Jerez
• Velada de las Nieves
• Bienal de Sevilla

Abroad, he has performed at important festivals such as:

• Teatro Mayor de Bogotá (Colombia)
• San Francisco (USA)
• New York (USA)

Television and Documentaries

Rafael has performed live on television programs such as:

• García Lorca (Casa Patas, Madrid)
• Teatro Conde Duque (Madrid)

Teaching

In addition to his performances, Rafael is involved in various shows, including those with guitarist Gerardo Núñez and the Fiesta Flamenca in the Santiago neighborhood.

Recognitions and Reviews

”Rafael del Zambo is a phenomenon. His singing is deep, direct, and pure.”

— Gerardo Núñez

”His voice has a depth that is heavenly. He is a prodigy of flamenco singing.”

— Revista Flamenca

”Rafael del Zambo’s singing is deep, direct, and pure. His ability to convey duende and the flamenco cry distinguishes him as one of the great singers of our time.”

— Revista Flamenca