Los Chunguitos

Los Chunguitos, a prominent rumba group in the '70s and '80s, was formed by the Salazar brothers Juan, Manuel, and Jose, who hailed from a gitano (gypsy or roma) background in Vallecas, Madrid. With a musical lineage in the family and inspired by famed flamenco singer Porrina de Badajoz, the brothers began performing on the streets of Madrid before catching the attention of EMI executives in 1977. Los Chunguitos rose to fame in Spain and across Europe, using their music to advocate for the marginalized and underprivileged. Their fusion of traditional rumba flamenco with modern elements helped popularize the genre globally alongside contemporaries like Los Chicos.

The Salazar family, known for their musical talents, continued to make an impact in the industry. Alongside Los Chunguitos, the Salazar sisters Toni and Encarna went on to form the highly successful group Azucar Moreno, after starting as backup singers for their brothers. Through their music, Los Chunguitos and their musical successors have cemented themselves as notable figures in Spain's music scene, showcasing the rich tradition of rumba flamenco to a wider audience.