18/12/2025
Stood on the beach with Noelia and her sons in Puerto Sherry, watching the setting sun, missing Pablo, and thinking about why I love flamenco so much.
Pablito. The 'White Jesus' -I had often teased him - non-judgemental, blonde, understated, wild, sweet, and a very talented musician. Who'd have thought he would be taken from us aged 38?
Many thoughts - the Lake House - Davi, Aleja and Feli, Ayoze, all the Carmens, Leo, Javi, Heidi, Adrian, Ruben, Mano de Dios, Dila, Fury and his mum, Ulyses, The Turbans, Jardares por Fuera; Spanish, Latinos, British, Irish, Scots, Caribeños,Turkish, Greek, French, Israeli, Palestinians, Africans; Musicians, dancers, actors, cleaners, waiters, poets, layabouts, filmmakers, shop assistants, jewellers, travellers, writers, and so many types of people from all over the world. Noelia and Pablo found that house. Their names were on the lease. You didn't have to live there, but you might find yourself jamming on the sofa for days. Do you remember the Costa Dorada? Sevilla Mia? España on Fire? London was on fire with flamenco. I was doing Flamenco Fix Radio with Gabi, Tony, Jackson, Yinka, Rowena, and Noelia; with appearanes and help from Jesus, Fernando, Sam, Annya, Araceli, Zosia and, well, everyone. Before Brexit, Covid, and all this far-right bu****it, London was teaming with unabashed diversity. Flamenco singers, dancers, and guitarristas came, fed the scene, and went with ease.
Pablo told Noelia to write and to do what she loves (and the power of your words, Noe)! It reminds me that we should all be doing what we love. Even when it hurts. I loved doing Flamenco Fix. Incidentally, the last programme has a review by Noelia and Pablo. And, the last time I spoke with him was a text to say I couldn't make the gig he was playing. Damn!
So why does a London 'Jamaicana' love flamenco so much? I fell in love with the music many moons ago, and cultura Andaluza. Flamenco taught me to put my 'guns' up and my chest out, empathy and humility. So, when's the next Flamenco Fix? As they say in Jamaica, "soon come"! Meanwhile, to absent friends. ¡Viva!
