40th anniversary milestone inspires a vibrant reflection on a Valencian musical legacy
The gathering at Plaça Major in La Nucia opened with a celebration of music that bridged generations. The event, part of the Festes d’Agost festivities, showcased a blend of classical influences and contemporary sounds, drawing a large, engaged crowd that sang along to beloved tunes. The moment carried a sense of communal joy as taglines like Little girl and Rumba tarumba echoed through the square, inviting feet to move in a rhythmic, inclusive cadence.
Regularly welcomed along the Costa Blanca and the Marina Baixa coast, the Valencian artist known for Mediterrenian themes delivered a performance characterized by inclusive participation. The singer, also celebrated as the Benetusser Nightingale, offered a reflective set that traced a personal artistic arc—from early percussion experiments to the fusion of reggae, blues, rumba, and a spectrum of Latin and Mediterranean rhythms. The production design embraced dynamic, provocative looks, with three distinct outfits punctuating the set. The evening culminated in a poignant nod to a classic, ending with a moment of quiet reverence that paid homage to a legendary performance style. A kiss and a flower punctuated the closing gesture.
In 1985, the act achieved recognition at a major festival held in Benidorm, finishing the night with a guest appearance that highlighted the group’s growing prominence in the regional music scene. The final act featured a guest artist who helped cap a remarkable stage moment and connect the audience to the broad heritage of Valencian pop and rock.
40th anniversary of the group
Across 2022 and 2023, the ensemble toured across North America and Europe, including a Mediterranean cruise, underscoring a transatlantic appeal. Valencia’s city government acknowledged the group with a City of Valencia Award for Cultural Merit, recognizing the ensemble’s contribution to the local arts landscape. A notable showcase occurred on March 3, 2023, when the group performed at Jardines de Viveros in Valencia, featuring collaborative performances with Solé Giménez, Miguel Costas, Javier Ojeda, Pablo Carbonell, Carlos Segarra, Manuel España, and Chimo Bayo. The concert highlighted the collaborative spirit and intergenerational dialogue that characterizes Valencian musical culture.
The core lineup comprises José Manuel Casañ on vocals, Javi Vela on guitar and chorus, Jorge Molina on bass and chorus, and Víctor Traves on drums and cajón, forming a cohesive unit that blends vocal prowess with instrumental versatility.
corporate representation
In a formal welcome, the mayor of La Nucia and the newly appointed general manager of the urbanism division hosted the event alongside notable civic figures. The gathering also included wellness and cultural leadership representatives who acknowledged the ongoing dialogue between traditional festivities and modern cultural policy. The mutual appreciation between Casañ and Arlandis—two figures who have supported each other’s literary and musical endeavors—underscored the enduring connection between Valencian poetry, regional identity, and the performing arts. Arlandis, a respected poet and public figure, is recognized for his broader contributions to Spanish literature as much as for his cultural advocacy in contemporary politics.
Arlandis has spoken about how cultural celebrations embody the social fabric, highlighting how communal events preserve regional identity through music, ritual, and performance. Casañ has admired Arlandis’s literary work, noting a shared passion for performance and cultural expression that transcends generations. In discussions about upcoming policies, officials emphasized the importance of supporting Valencian musical creation and local festivals as foundations for a robust cultural sector. The dialogue pointed toward future legislative efforts designed to strengthen the cultural economy while staying true to regional traditions.