The Carpio generation does not cease, but remains and expandsThis not only enhances the Plaza of the San Miguel neighborhood in Jerez, but also elevates it with a surname linked to the saga of those who have left a mark due to the depth of its meaning.
I mean José Montoya Carpio, Alias Eggplant, who inherited his grandfather's nickname, Alfonso Carpio, nicknamed The Eggplant, and who, after guaranteeing his rise since winning the first prize of the Talent Competition at the Cristina Heeren Foundation in June 2019 Flamenco Naranjito de Triana has shown himself with Loyalty –that's the name of his debut film–, in front of his own people, in the Jerez Festival.
The foregoing justifies, therefore, the apotheosis of the bulerías finale, but also the title of the album presented, obviously related to The responsibility and honesty owed to their predecessors, concepts that play a crucial role in the promotion of flamenco singing in Jerez.At least in those that foster an environment of respect, such as Berenjeno, which recognizes and values experiences as a driving force to boost its career, which does not mean that everyone has the same maturational development.
For example. His flamenco styles from Cádiz and Jerez resonate in family interactions, even though the initial excitement of the premiere didn't forge strong and lasting bonds. The taranto and the cartagenera of The Red the Espadrille Maker They are a beacon of hope for the memory of Rafael de PaulaBut the connections must be meaningful and genuine. And we add the cantiñas, through which the memory of John the Cake, with the variations that left an impact on Berenjeno's formation.
It is, likewise, la Loyalty the oil that keeps the engine of his proposal moving, as in the soleá of AlcaláBut its slow development meant it never got past Venta Platilla. And the proof of its ancestral echoes was evident in La Plazuela with bulerías, undoubtedly the cante where the desired nuances were intrinsically intertwined, continuing with the seguiriya and the cabal, in which he showed that this fidelity is not a burden, not a heavy backpack to carry on the journey, but rather the confidence to stand on firm ground.
Of course, where Berenjeno gathered the seeds of his family environment was in the closing bulerías, an honor he dedicated to those who are in the glory of heaven through The Tolo, which sounded gypsy-like to hurt; El Mijita, who was superb; David Carpio, who had the great gesture of dedicating his cante to his cousin Juanillorro; Manuela Carpio, which established itself as the undisputed queen of the proposal, and Year, who sang for Berenjeno's dance.
"In this appearance at the Jerez Festival, the singer from La Plazuela has been loyal, consistent with his heritage, and in complete harmony with his place of origin. Fidelity and commitment to the Carpio family, the legitimate family debt."
It had been established, therefore, that the Loyalty It should not be blind, but rather involve a commitment, as demonstrated by the aforementioned Carpio family, who tested how expressive discourses can evolve with those other values of the descendants that contribute to professional growth.
La Loyalty Berenjeno had nurtured it, since identification, and practiced it with the bulerías of his peoplewhere the critic found no doubts or questions. This is where true ties to the past are forged to survive in the present, where the fire that purifies the sonic gold is found, and where, instead of seeing challenges as obstacles, the lead singer faces them as opportunities to strengthen his relationship with his family.
Berenjeno undoubtedly placed fundamental value on everything that permeates the aspects of his vibrant parental life, helping him to build meaningful relationships, but above all, to create an environment of trust without overlooking all those resources that require effort and reflection in order to encourage growth.
That is the commitment of the young man from Jerez, to remain true to one's essence by strengthening family tiesActing with honesty and transparency, but also remaining committed to the perseverance, responsibility, respect and prudence of what he represents, these being considered the greatest virtues of being a flamenco singer.
But the value that leads to all those virtues is la Loyaltywhich is what drives her to be aware of what she sings, to correspond to an obligation that others call fidelity, which is something like defending that we believe in those who made us believe.
In this appearance at the Jerez Festival, the singer from La Plazuela has therefore been loyal and consistent with his heritage, in complete harmony with his place of origin. To act contrary to this would be to devalue himself and doubt himself, when the right path is to learn from weaknesses in order to avoid them, and to maintain and enrich his self-confidence as a singer loyal to his family traditions. In short, fidelity and commitment to the Carpio family, his legitimate family debt.
Credits
Presentation of the album LoyaltyJosé El Berenjeno
XXX Jerez Festival
Company Room
March 5th 2026
CanteJosé Montoya, alias El Berenjeno
Guitars: Manuel Heredia and Luis Moneo
Choirs and palmas: Javi Peña and Naim Real
Palmas Juan Diego Valencia and Manuel de Cantarote
Percussion: Alex Fernández
