Nicolas Reyes

Nicolas Reyes, born on 22 November 1958 in Arles, France, comes from a renowned family of Gitano musicians. Son of singer José Reyes and relative of guitar legend Manitas de Plata, he grew up surrounded by flamenco and rumba traditions. After performing in his father’s group, he co-founded the Gipsy Kings in the late 1970s with members of the Reyes and Baliardo families. With his distinctive, raspy, emotional voice, Nicolas became the iconic lead singer of the group. Their unique blend of flamenco, Catalan rumba, pop and Latin influences led to worldwide hits such as “Bamboléo,” “Djobi Djoba,” “Volare,” and their famous rendition of “Hotel California.” His presence and vocal style helped define the group’s sound and international success. In addition to singing, Nicolas also plays guitar — sometimes using a reversed-string guitar as a left-handed musician — and performs palmas, the rhythmic hand-clapping essential to flamenco. With millions of albums sold across the globe, Nicolas Reyes is recognized as one of the great ambassadors of Gitano culture. He continues to lead the Gipsy Kings, performing internationally and preserving the spirit, energy, and heritage of his family’s musical tradition.