Celebrating Eight Decades of Braulio: A Unique Concert in Agüimes

“The debt of the Canary Islands to Braulio is unpayable,” say Los Sabandeños about the interpreter and composer, who will be joined by groups and artists like Los Gofiones and Cristina Ramos on 26th September for the concert ‘8 Décadas’. This event will take place at the Auditorio de Agüimes to celebrate over fifty years of the singer-songwriter’s career.

Celebrating a Musical Legend

Next Friday, just as he has done for the past fifty-two years across stages worldwide, Braulio will sing for the Canary Islands. The Auditorio de Agüimes will host the ‘8 Décadas’ concert on 26th September, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy the artist’s most famous tracks. His compositions are a vital part of the auditory memory for several generations of Canarians. Iconic songs such as ‘Mándese a mudar’, ‘Sobran las palabras’, and ‘Lolita pluma’ will fill the air on this special night. Braulio will be accompanied not only by his usual band but also by Los Sabandeños, Los Gofiones, Cristina Ramos, Benito Cabrera, and Germán López, all of whom describe Braulio’s significant role in the musical history of an archipelago where, according to the Tenerife group, “the debt to Braulio is unpayable.”

A Full House for a Beloved Artist

At eighty years old, few artists can claim to have sold out a performance in just three days. The show will allow 1,500 attendees to enjoy it for free via large video screens set up in the square outside the auditorium, catering to the high demand from those unable to secure tickets.

“Artistic freedom was the most treasured asset for singers during difficult times, and that, coupled with other factors, distanced Braulio from the Canary Islands physically, but his heart has always been with us,” Los Sabandeños add, referring to an artist who became a controversial figure between both regional and national political circles during the 1970s and 1980s.

Finding Inspiration in Braulio

Timplist Benito Cabrera recalls that “from a very young age” he was influenced by Braulio’s music. “My generation grew up with his songs, and his appearance on Eurovision was a symbol for all Canarians. Tracks like ‘La Cerillera’ or ‘En la cárcel de tu piel’ were companions of our Spanish music journey, particularly when we wanted to listen to well-crafted ballads. The album ‘Canto a Canarias’ marked a definitive moment for us to surrender to his genius, giving us self-esteem, identity, and a wealth of songs that are still remembered by all. Some of these tracks were included in the album ‘Personajes’ by Los Sabandeños when I was the musical director for the group, which was a personal gift as it allowed me to arrange them and share the studio with Braulio at that time.”

Cristina Ramos expresses her “wonder” at how Braulio “maintains the freshness of his voice and his passion for singing. It reflects a lot about his character and spirit,” she shares. “His unique way of approaching life with that characteristic humour,” the Gran Canaria singer adds, before acknowledging that “Braulio deserves immense credit for remaining active and shining at an extraordinary level. We see him little here, but he has a rigorous activity in America,” explains this talented singer whose career also unfolds across the Atlantic. “I did not hesitate for a second,” Ramos adds about her participation in the ‘8 Décadas’ concert, a sentiment echoed by the other artists joining Braulio in Agüimes next Friday.

A Shared Musical Heritage

“In our view,” admits José Afonso, president of Los Gofiones, “Braulio has been and continues to be a reference for many generations musically, both in our homeland and beyond. As a songwriter, he is a beacon of musical creation.” He continues, “The relationship between Maestro Braulio and Los Gofiones has always been very close, both personally for many of our members and musically. In fact, we have shared stages on several occasions throughout our long careers.”

Timplist Germán López recalls discovering the performer of ‘Canto a Canarias’ and ‘Tenerife’ on television when he “must have been seven or eight years old.” He remarks, “Since then, hearing the name Braulio has always meant discussing Canarian pride, a reference who carries the Canary Islands’ flag wherever he goes, especially in Latin America.”

The young musician shares, “Participating in the ‘8 Décadas’ concert and accompanying him in this celebration is a huge honour for me and will undoubtedly be a great learning experience. You always learn from the masters, and without a doubt, Braulio is a true master,” he asserts about what he describes as “a unique night,” filled with “affection, respect, and admiration both on and off stage.”

Legacy Beyond Performance

When asked whether Braulio is more renowned for his skills as a composer or as a performer, Benito Cabrera does not hesitate to reply that “although he is a remarkable singer with many vocal qualities and a distinctive interpretation, I always lean towards the compositional aspect. Leaving behind a catalogue of works like his is a legacy that transcends the fleeting moments of glory provided by interpretation,” the timplist acknowledges.

‘8 Décadas’ promises to be a meticulously arranged spectacle in which these celebrated Canarian performers collaborate, all of whom Braulio wishes to thank “in advance for their participation in this tribute show… And I invite you all to join me again in twenty-five years when I celebrate my seventy-fifth anniversary of a happy marriage with music,” jokes the artist, who enjoys the support of the Ayuntamiento de Agüimes, the Instituto Canario de Desarrollo Cultural, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, and the Government of the Canary Islands through the vice-ministry of Culture.

A Pillar of Canarian Music

Los Sabandeños, alongside the other participating artists in ‘8 Décadas’, stress that “Braulio is undoubtedly one of the fundamental pillars of Canarian music, one of the first to project internationally beyond the islands. His work has crossed borders and built bridges with America, not to mention his landmark achievement of winning the OTI Festival,” they add, regarding this son of Santa María de Guía, whom they consider “an example of Canarian spirit embodied in music.”