Flamenco is in mourning. This Thursday, November 13, Antonio Fernández Díaz, ‘Fosforito’, one of the most emblematic and respected voices of flamenco, died in Malaga at the age of 93. ABC has confirmed the sad news of the death of the cantaor from Pontano, whose name is a fundamental pillar in the history of contemporary flamenco.
Throughout his long career, Fosforito was admired for his absolute mastery of traditional cantes and for his natural ability to innovate without losing the roots, always preserving the purest essence of the genre.
A genius born for singing
Born in Puente Genil (Córdoba) in 1932, Fosforito showed from a very young age an extraordinary talent: a powerful voice, artistic sensitivity and an unusual mastery of the most complex palos. From his adolescence he shone in competitions and festivals, until he became an essential figure in Spain and abroad.
His consecration came in 1956, when he achieved a milestone that no one has ever repeated: winning the five prizes of the National Flamenco Art Contest of Cordoba. From then on, his name was definitively associated with excellence.
A unique and recognized trajectory
After that historic triumph, his career was consolidated with memorable recordings and performances on the world’s main stages, where he showed his commitment to the purity of flamenco without renouncing an unmistakable artistic personality.
Among his many distinctions are the Llave de Oro del Cante, awarded in 2005, as well as the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts and the Medal of Andalusia, awards that reflect his cultural relevance.
A master admired by the greats of flamenco
Throughout his life he shared stage and deep friendship with legendary figures such as Paco de Lucía, Camarón de la Isla, El Lebrijano or José Menese. All of them recognized him as a master and absolute reference, influencing later generations who continue to look to him as a source of inspiration.
Fosforito always represented an honest and rigorous way of understanding flamenco: respect for tradition, interpretative excellence and artistic sensitivity.
An enduring legacy
His figure is also immortalized in his hometown thanks to the Centro de Flamenco Fosforito, a space dedicated to preserving his work and disseminating the flamenco art among new generations.
With his death, flamenco loses one of its most authentic voices and an artist who contributed decisively to elevate flamenco singing to the category of cultural heritage. His legacy, however, will live on in every record, on every stage and in the hearts of those who recognize in Fosforito one of the great masters of the 20th century.
