Updating the flamenco tradition with innovative electronic production and influences from hip hop and R’n’B, Barcelona’s Rosalía Vila Tobella is one of the most fascinating prospects in pop right now.
Following a breakthrough year in which she received rave reviews for her second LP, El Mal Querer, and scored two Latin Grammys, the 26-year-old Catalan singer’s star has continued to rise in 2019, making this rare London show arguably the most anticipated of Somerset House’s Summer Series.
Leading a troop of dancers through complex, combative choreography that interpolated flamenco moves, while wowing with her sinuous melisma, last night Rosalía positioned herself as Barcelona’s answer to Beyoncé. She appeared to possess the stamina too, switching from the minimalist reggaeton of Con Altura to the breakneck beats of Aute Cuture while barely breaking a sweat.
It takes a rare talent to imbue single syllables with so much emotion that they effectively obliterate any language barriers. Performing Catalina a capella — save for fluttering palmas — Rosalía did just that, and stunned a previously rowdy audience to silence.
