Flamenco singing loses one of its last historical figures today, Thursday. Antonio Fernández Díaz ‘Fosforito’ (Puente Genil, Córdoba, 1932) died this morning at Malaga Hospital after a surgery he underwent. The singer had the reference category of this art for many reasons.
His impeccable career runs parallel to the phase of revaluation of flamenco that began in the mid-20th century with a series of milestones including the National Competition (CNAF) of Córdoba. A young Antonio participated in its first edition (1956) and won all the prizes, a fact that has not been repeated and which testifies to some of his many values: his versatility, his vast mastery and knowledge of all styles of flamenco.
Fosforito based his singing on a tradition that he knew and respected, but to which he added his strong personality to renew it without losing the original essences, achieving that difficult balance between fidelity to the roots and its evolution and updating. It was also innovative for the recovery of obsolete styles and variations, which over time gave it an almost encyclopedic status.
These qualities soon made him a beacon for younger artists, who would inevitably turn to him. Throughout his career he received the most important awards: he was the last holder of the Golden Key of Cante, the Medal of Merit of Fine Arts and the Favorite Son of Andalusia, among others.
(Breaking news, there will be an update soon)
