Marote
Who is Marote?
Juan Santiago Maya, known as Marote, was born in Granada in 1936. He was introduced to flamenco within the zambras of the caves of the Sacromonte, as a disciple of his own grandfather, and began his artistic career as a dancer before devoting himself entirely to the guitar. He was the brother of fellow guitarists Manolete and Pepe Maya, which places his upbringing within a family environment steeped in flamenco.
Career
He made his debut in Madrid at eighteen with Rafael Farina’s company and, between 1960 and 1965, was part of the resident group at the Madrid tablao Torres Bermejas, where he accompanied leading flamenco figures of the day. His career was closely tied to dance: he was part of Carmen Amaya’s company, with which he found success in New York and other American cities, took part in the 1964 New York World’s Fair alongside Antonio Gades and went on collaborating with his ballet for several years, as well as with Manolo Vargas, María Rosa and the Ballet Nacional de España.
Style and discography
He also accompanied cantaores such as La Paquera, Fosforito, Bambino and Fernanda and Bernarda de Utrera on tours and recordings, and toured Japan several times with his playing. He was described as one of the most outstanding and original guitarists of his time, with a personal style of performance that set him apart within the flamenco accompaniment scene.
Legacy
He died in Granada in September 2002, leaving behind a career marked by constant work alongside the most internationally prominent flamenco dance of his era, from Carmen Amaya to Antonio Gades.