Jerez and its flamenco They wake up again in mourning for the death of Alfonso Carpio Gallardo, known in the art world as El MijitaFather of flamenco singers Alfonso y JoséHe was always one of the most admired figures in La Plazuela. At 74, he passed away in December, in the early hours of the 17th, the same month that other greats from his neighborhood also left us. Manuel MoneoThe Cake and Shoelaceswith whom he had always maintained a great friendship since childhood. They were truly like family.
Son of Alfonso the Eggplant y María La Chalá, and brother of Manuel the Chickpea, the truth is that El Mijita He managed to become a household name in flamenco Jerez native, known for his extensive repertoire of bulerías and soleá, and especially for his mastery of seguiriyas, fandangos, and tientos tangos. He never wanted to dedicate himself fully to the stage, although he had no shortage of offers, appearing on important occasions at the Fiesta de la Bulería, Viernes. Flamenco or forming part of the circuit of peñaJerez women.
"Kind and approachable, he would pronounce that admirable phrase as 'neither gypsy, nor non-Gypsy, nor Santiago, nor San Miguel... A person, and from Jerez.' (...) Generous and full of harmony, he shared recording moments with his family in 'Stirpe, de pare a hijo', where Miguel Poveda himself joined in."
Alfonso was much more than that. He was an icon of rhythm, of celebration, of gatherings, of "not repeating a single bulerías lyric in one night," as he used to say. He rarely missed any artistic gathering with his close friends of the time, such as those already mentioned, as well as Ripoll, Enrique El Zambo, Capullo de Jerez or anyone who wanted to have a good time.
Kind and approachable, he would pronounce that admirable phrase as "neither Gypsy, nor non-Gypsy, nor Santiago, nor San Miguel... Just a person, and from Jerez." He gave everyone their due, and that's why no one ever spoke ill of him. Generous and full of harmony, he shared recording sessions with his family in Stirpe, from father to son, where he himself joined Miguel Poveda.
In recent years, he received the gold badges of the peñaLos Cernícalos and La Bulería, where he always felt at home. Until early tomorrow morning, Thursday the 18th, you can pay your respects to him in the Cádiz Room of the Tanatorio Sur funeral home in Jerez.
Rest in peace.
Alfonso Carpio Mijita Father and son: "Today there are few people who cause pain in the cante»
