El Arrebato
Who is El Arrebato?
Javier Labandón, known artistically as El Arrebato, is a Spanish singer-songwriter of rumba-pop and flamenco born in Seville on September 1, 1969. He began his artistic career in 1985 and his recording career in 1988, releasing a first album with the group Piel Morena, with whom he had his early hits until the band split up in 1998.
Career
Thanks to his friendship with Dioni Martín, a member of the group Camela (who shared his label, Ar Producciones), El Arrebato sent a demo that eventually reached EMI, a label that decided to back him. That led to “Poquito a poco” (2001), his first solo album, which achieved far greater success than anything with Piel Morena. It was followed by “Una noche con arte” (2003), “Que fuera el sol por donde quieras” (2004) — voted Album of the Year by the public on TVE — “Un ratito para mis cosas” (2006), “Mundología” (2008) and “Lo que el viento me dejó” (2010).
Notable discography
His catalogue includes songs such as “Ve despacito,” “Es por ti” and “Quiero enamorarme de ti.” El Arrebato also composed the official anthem for Seville’s centennial celebrations, a further example of his ability to connect with a wide audience and bring generations together through rumba and flamenco-pop.
Legacy
With more than two decades of career and several platinum records, El Arrebato has established himself as one of the most recognisable voices of Andalusian rumba-pop, a style he has kept alive on the radio and at popular festivals across Spain.