FIGURA FLAMENCA

Remembering Pepa Vargas

(1945-2022)

The flamenco world mourns the loss of a beloved singer, Pepa Vargas, who passed away last week at the age of 77 in her hometown of Sevilla. We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends. Pepa was born in Lebrija, in 1945, to the famous Vargas flamenco family and married into another famous flamenco family, la familia Fernández. These renowned Gitano dynasties include her husband Curro Fernández, daughter Esperanza Fernández, sister Concha Vargas, nephew Ismael Fernández, and great nephew Ismael el Bola, among others. 

Pepa’s life story was captured in the book Pepa Vargas, Memoria de una Mujer Flamenca. The story of Pepa Vargas is unique. A life linked to the home, motherhood, and familial duties but always with flamenco as its core. Pepa’s life shows a clear example that flamenco is much more than shows and tablaos, it is part of daily life in many families. The memoir reflects on the dreams of a girl born in Lebrija who, in love with flamenco, went from being a spectator and fan to making a major life change and dedicating herself to a career in flamenco. Pepa became an esteemed professional cantaora (singer) and made her voice heard in tablaos around the world. 

Article written in Spanish.