Naike Ponce: Successful Premiere of ‘Women Celebrate Paco de Lucía’
Published on EXPOFLAMENCO (02/26/2024)

  • Sala Villano in Madrid has welcomed the grand entourage of Sanlúcar-born flamenco singer and dancer Naike Ponce to pay tribute to Paco de Lucía on the tenth anniversary of his passing.

    “What about today’s artists? Hopefully, they too will receive recognition. Firstly, for highlighting a playful, sensitive, and tender side of the virtuoso that has rarely been emphasized. And secondly, because it is incredibly challenging to stand before a full audience and interpret, in such a personal way, the music that will forever remind us of such a great and timeless artist as Paco de Lucía.”


    Artist. A term that needs no further qualifiers or epithets because it is revealing enough on its own. Just like all the women who have come together today under the direction of Sanlúcar-born flamenco singer and dancer Naike Ponce, to pay tribute to Paco de Lucía on the tenth anniversary of his passing. Sala Villano in Madrid, a venue once named Sala Caracol by Lola Flores in honor of Manolo Caracol, has graciously hosted this grand entourage of admirers of both Naike and, of course, the great maestro Paco.

    Anyone who can confidently say they didn’t shed a tear at any point simply wasn’t at the same show as everyone else. Today, Women Celebrate Paco de Lucía was, in all caps, the greatest gift the maestro could ever receive.

    A nostalgic overhead spotlight illuminates a straw chair at the center of the stage, trembling restlessly amidst the notes of Reflejo de Luna, much like the artists waiting on the stairs. They embrace and take deep breaths, trying to absorb with each sigh the trust the audience has placed in them. Meanwhile, the guitarist’s voice-over prepares the attendees for what they are about to experience: “What is pure is what is felt with honesty,” “I am educating people who didn’t know our music exists.” And that profound phrase that so perfectly encapsulates the honoree: “In simplicity lies greatness.” Then, nervous and emotional, percussionist Nasrine Rahmani, double bassist Gal Maestro, flamenco pianist Mélodie Gimard, and flamenco flutist Lara Wong take the stage. From the very first moments, the atmosphere is immediately steeped in that sweet and sensitive side of Paco that Naike spoke to us about in her interview for Expoflamenco just a few weeks ago.

    Naike Ponce climbs each step, visibly moved, urgently approaching the daunting responsibility she has bravely taken on. At that moment, an honest, heartfelt ovation surges to the center stage to accompany the flamenco singer. Behind the applause, Ponce evokes the spirit of the Muslim musician and poet Ziryab, deeply admired by Paco de Lucía, to accompany her warm yet powerful voice, which defines her as the driving force behind this extraordinary production. Ziryab gives way to the night’s other performers: guitarists Mercedes Luján, Alba Espert, and Antonia Jiménez. Finally, Montse Cortés elevates the unmistakable melody of Volar to celestial heights with her heartrending resonance. At that moment, sweetness transforms into a trance, making way for boldness, strength, and the power that, for a fleeting moment, shakes the notion of gentleness.

    The semi-circular arrangement of the performers, almost touching, evokes the security, calm, and confidence they lend each other when any unease arises. It becomes clear that complicity is one of the keys to the performance’s success, allowing only Cositas Buenas to shine tonight. Montse Cortés has undoubtedly been a pivotal addition, bringing the gravitas and dependability essential when confidence wavers.

    Notably, the performance flows with continuity and dynamism, though a brief pause in the singing is necessary to carve the path through which Ponce crystallizes her admiration for the guitarist from Algeciras. She highlights his mastery, artistry, sensitivity, virtue, patience, rigor, and innate wisdom, qualities embodied in Canción de amor, which serves as the culmination of her profound admiration. But the emotional moment doesn’t end there; suddenly, dancer Belén López emerges from the wings, draping each note with a black-and-red shawl. She unravels an infinite web of ethereal, unhurried movements, defying her usual style and embracing the melody’s fluidity. In the shawl’s final tassel, she carries away Naike’s cracked voice, delivering a poignant line: “With all the love I had for him, my Paco de Lucía is gone forever.”

    In homage to Paco’s love for copla, inherited from his mother and sister, the performance takes a new turn. Naike enthusiastically introduces the women joining her as backup singers. Marta Ramos, Aury Salazar, and Natalia Duma enrich Señorita, a track from Paco’s posthumous album Canción Andaluza, where he collaborated with Óscar D’León. Naike interprets it with charm, ease, and flair. A couple of rhythmic footwork sequences brimming with soniquete reveal a relaxed, playful expression. To Caribbean rhythms, she exudes a solidity that resonates with the audience, sharing in her joy alongside her admiring companions.

    Next, the bold personality of Belén López, clad in a striking red dress, returns to center stage. Dancing to the beat of alegrías, she demonstrates her trademark rawness, technical precision, and mastery that flamenco enthusiasts recognize. The musicians, captivated, accompany her ferocious movements, rapid footwork, and intricate gestures that are anything but easy to embellish or support.

    Continuing in the vein of Paco’s copla affinities, another surprise takes the stage. Esperanza Fernández joins Naike Ponce to respectfully interpret Te he de querer mientras viva. The track, also featured on Canción Andaluza, was a dedication to Paco’s wife, Gabriela, with the collaboration of Estrella Morente. The two performers pour their hearts into the interpretation, creating a powerful blend. Esperanza’s strength and vigor balance beautifully with Naike’s natural flair and vocal technique.

    The tribute could not conclude without the iconic Entre dos aguas, performed with boldness and determination. The guitarists, as expected, take the lead, executing the piece with precision. Meanwhile, flutist Lara Wong takes on passages that would demand at least 24 hours a day from any guitarist—if Paco himself needed only eight.

    As fans and admirers of Paco de Lucía, one can only hope for a thousand more tributes like this. But what about today’s artists? They, too, deserve recognition for their dedication and courage. First, for spotlighting a playful, sensitive, and tender side of the virtuoso that has rarely been celebrated. And second, because no matter how accomplished or renowned one might be, it is a monumental challenge to stand before a full house and interpret, in such a personal way, the music that will forever remind us of the immortal Paco de Lucía.

    Artistic Details:

    Women Celebrate Paco de Lucía, by Naike Ponce
    Sala Villanos, Madrid
    February 25, 2024

    - Vocals: Naike Ponce
    - Guitar: Mercedes Luján, Alba Espert y Antonia Jiménez
    - Double Bass: Gal Maestro
    - Piano: Mélodie Gimard
    - Flute: Lara Wong
    - Percussion: Nasrine Rahmani
    - Chorus: Marta Ramos, Aury Salazar and Natalia Duma
    - Guest Vocalists: Montse Cortés and Esperanza Fernández
    - Guest Dancer: Belén López


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