Jazz and Bossa Artist of the Month (July 2013): Buika

Jazz and Bossa Artist of the Month (July 2013): Buika

http://www.conchabuikamusic.com/

María Concepción Balboa Buika (Concha Buika) goes by the stage name, ‘Buika’. She is a singer born on May 11th, 1972 in Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands in Spain. She is the daughter of African parents, and currently lives in Miami Florida, USA.

Buika is a creative survivor, a poet, composer, music producer and considers the role of “Mother” her paramount priority. She credits nature and her life’s experiences for her most profound lessons.

It has been said that; “Buika combines all the styles along with her emotionally charged lyrics and such broken sensuality in her voice, make her an unparallel artist.” Buika has no limitations when interpreting the different genres embodied in her discography, a fact reflected in the variety of her collaborations with musicians and singers whether in Spanish, Catalan, English, French or Portuguese. Her deep conviction is evident in her work with artists such as; Anoushka Shankar, Chick Korea, Niño Josele, Maritza, Bebo y Chucho Valdes, Luz Casal, Ivan “Melon” Lewis, Jose Luis Perales, Seal, Armando Manzanero, Nelly Furtado, Javier Limon…

Buika has collaborated on the sound tracts of several films. Her last experience and also the most remarkable was in 2011, when Director Pedro Almodovar included two ‘Buika’ songs in his movie; “La piel que habito” ( The skin I Live in ). Buika, along with her songs; “Por el amor de amar” (For love’s sake ) and “Se me hizo facil” ( I found it easy ), made their first appearance on the big screen.

Having performed in over 22 countries, language has never been an obstacle. Her audience spans the world and they adore her unique qualities. In 2010, Buika performed 95 concerts and the outpouring of appreciation in places like France, Turkey, Argentina and Mexico among others, stands out.

In 2001, Buika began in the music industry with her first album “Mestizuo” ( 2001 Producciones Blau S.L.), a presentation in the form of piano and vocals. Later, this was followed by; • “Buika” (2005, DRO ) and the trilogy produced by music producer Javier Limon, • “Mi niña Lola” (My baby girl Lola – 2006, DRO ), • “Niña de Fuego” ( Girl of Fire – 2008, Warner ) • “El ultimo Trago” ( The last drink – 2009, Warner ), • An anthology album CD which included her most pivotal songs as well as, some unreleased songs.

Buika’s albums have received the following awards; • Disco de Oro – certified Gold for the album “Mi niña Lola”, presented by Joaquin Sabina. • Best Spanish Song Album: “Mi niña Lola” (Premios de la Musica, 2007). • Best Producer: “Mi niña Lola”, Javier Limon (Premios de la Musica, 2007). • Germany Visual Critics Award 2007: “Mi niña Lola” • Latin Grammy 2008: Best Album and Best Production: “Niña de Fuego” (2008, Warner/Casa Limon) • Disco de Oro – certified gold for “El Ultimo Trago” ( Colombia, 2010 ). • Latin Grammy 2010: Best Traditional Tropical Album for “El ultimo Trago”.

In 2010, an article by Alice Winkler of NPR listed Buika among the best 50 vocalists. The article defined her as; “The voice of freedom”.

The arrival of Buika’s ninth album in 2013 is taking her to a new stage of her career. An era defined by her different creative processes which include; her second book of poems, “To those who loved hardcore women and left them” and producing her first movie based on a tale from her book, “From solitude to hell”.

Trying to speculate where Buika’s professional career will lead is a mystery because, when it comes to Buika; there is no script. She is a continuous flow, without interruptions. Her new music will taste like the old in their musical notes, their timing, streaming. Clearly, Buika is here to stay.