Latin American beats had been joined with flamenco by gitanos since at least the 1950s, mixing complex strumming with rhythmic, percussive tapping on their guitars' tops. The new Reyes generation — soon to meet and join up with three guitar-playing brothers from the Baliardo family — began creating more pop-oriented songs. They played at roma parties and at street corners until they got their chance to record under the group's new name, Gipsy Kings.
Sharp-eyed individuals might have noted that all the left-handed members of the group play guitars strung upside-down; this is usually as a result of the individuals' not having their own guitars when growing-up. Borrowing and playing a right-hander's the wrong way up was the only way to learn.
Band's story
They became popular with their self-titled first album, Gipsy Kings, which included the songs "Djobi Djoba ", "Bamboleo " and the romantic ballad "Un Amor". The song "Volare" on their second album Mosaique is a rumba version of Domenico Modugno's Italian hit "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu". The Gipsy Kings were enormously popular in France and throughout Europe along with the middle east. In 1989, Gipsy Kings was released in the United States and it spent 40 weeks on the charts, one of very few Spanish language albums to do so. Their cover version of "Hotel California" is an excellent example of fast flamenco guitar leads and rhythmic strumming (this version was featured in the Coen Brothers' movie The Big Lebowski).
In 1991 the Gipsy Kings provided flamenco guitar and backing vocals on Bananarama's version of "Long Train Running", using the pseudonym "Alma de Noche" ("Soul of the Night"). Also in '91, for a multi-artist project called "Simply Mad About the Mouse" — a compilation of new versions of songs from Disney films — the Kings contributed an annaly-crafted, fast-paced rumba flamenca version of "I've Got No Strings" from "Pinocchio" - replete with feverish flamenco guitar leads and rhythmic hand-claps (palmas). The lyrics' enthusiasm for freedom, not being tied down, fit the gipsy creed perfectly.
Their 1993 album "Love and Liberte" won the Latin Grammy Award for "Best Pop Album of the Year," and contained the enduring song "Montana," an emotional account of Roma chased from their birthplace by prejudice and persecution.
The '95 compilation "The Best of the Gipsy Kings" went platinum, staying on the charts more than one year. Albums "Mosaïque," "Allegria," "Este Mundo," "Gipsy Kings Live," "Love & Liberte," "Tierra Gitana," "Cantos de Amor" and "Volare! - the Very Best of the Gipsy Kings" went gold.
Lead guitarist Tonino Baliardo — who has always written the group's instrumentals — released his first solo album, Essences, in 2001; a second self-titled one followed in 2003.
Flamenco purists criticized their use of drum kits, electronic bass, and electronic keyboards and rock and reggae beats. Defenders say they helped create a new style.
Gipsy Kings' total album sales worldwide now exceed 18 million; they toured worldwide again in 2007. They are the world's best-selling music group from France in history, according to their website, where dates and places of their current tour can be found.
Years active: from 1987 till present.
Members
Gipsy Kings are members of two related families: the Reyes and the Baliardos (Reyes means Kings in Spanish). They are cousins of the flamenco great Manitas de Plata, lead guitarist Tonino Baliardo married his granddaughter. Nicolas, Canut, Paul, Andre and Patchai Reyes are sons of flamenco singer Jose Reyes. The Gipsy Kings are:
Nicolas Reyes: lead vocals, guitar
Paul Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Canut Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Patchai Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Andre Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Diego Baliardo: guitar
Paco Baliardo: guitar
Tonino Baliardo: lead guitar
Chico Bouchikhi was also a member of the Gipsy Kings, but quit after the album Mosaique.
Chiribi
Gipsy Kings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Esta rumba tan gitana
Y tambien la rosaremos
Con mi hermano Nicolas
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribamga
Con mis Hermanos la cantaremos
Esta rumba tan gitana
Y tambien la rosaremos
Con mi hermano Nicolas
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribamga
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribi chiribam
Chiribamga
The lyrics to "Chiribi" by Gipsy Kings speaks of a lively and vibrant rumba that is quintessentially gypsy. The singer sings about singing and playing the music with his brothers, especially his brother Nicolas. The chorus consists of the repetitive phrase "Chiribi chiribam" which is likely an onomatopoeic representation of the rhythm of the music. The song's upbeat and catchy melody perfectly captures the festive and joyous spirit of the gypsy music that the Gipsy Kings are known for.
The use of the Spanish language adds to the song's authenticity and makes it accessible to a broad audience. The lyrics may be simple, but they effectively convey the joy and energy of the music. The use of the first person point of view highlights the communal and familial nature of the music-making and underscores the importance of shared experiences and connections.
In conclusion, "Chiribi" by Gipsy Kings is an infectious and uplifting song that celebrates the joy and spirit of gypsy music. The use of lively rhythms, catchy melodies, and authentic lyrics create a multi-layered listening experience that is both engaging and memorable.
Line by Line Meaning
Con mis Hermanos la cantaremos
I will sing this Gitano rumba with my brothers
Esta rumba tan gitana
This rumba is so Gitano
Y tambien la rosaremos
And we will also play the percussion
Con mi hermano Nicolas
With my brother Nicolas
Chiribi chiribam
A chant to bring happiness and joy
Chiribamga
A celebratory exclamation
Contributed by Christopher W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jednatkin9959
Never get tired of this vid. If it doesn't get you up and moving you need to see a doctor!
@Dan_vise
90 тих смо слушали Кингсе! Тешко и лепо је то време било.
@gloriachinea5180
Gracias Y Mas Bendicions ❤❤❤❤
@jednatkin9959
The greatest band of the modern era. Period.
@liraluluwa6719
AAAAAAAAAAAAA PLEASE PLEASE SOMEBODY TAKE ME TO SPAIN. I LOVE THIS LANGUAGE SO MUCH AND PEOPLE WITH HOT TEMPERAMENT AND WONDERFUL MUSIC . I LOVE YOU KINGS OF THE MUSIC !
@jechulin100
dios como disfrutava hace 20 años y que recuerdos gipsy kins los mejores
@jhikidirling
fantástica composición y una gran energía musical
"Thi es mundialmente dioses no hay lugar para la mediocridad"
@edwinramirez5850
Orgullo Gitano!!
@Rommel442
Mükemmel-excelente-perfect- stunning...
@57DLeiva
Tan hermoso ese Canut