Quijano

Manuel Quijano enjoys worldwide acclaim among Spanish music enthusiasts. His identity remained linked to siblings Oscar and Raul until 2007, when the three formed the celebrated rock en español group Café Quijano. That ensemble issued its debut recording in 1997, a self-titled collection built chiefly around Manuel’s material. The following year the brothers crisscrossed Spain for more than fifty concerts promoting the project. Over the ensuing two years Manuel refined his songwriting craft, completing more than fifty pieces that spanned multiple genres. Recognition arrived in 1999 when Spain designated him “Composer of the Year” on the strength of his contributions to Café Quijano’s sophomore studio effort, La Extraordinaria Paradija del Sonido Quijano. The album secured two Grammy nominations the next year, one for Best New Group at the Latin Grammy Awards and another for Best Alternative Rock Album at the Grammy Awards. Continued international travel and arena appearances further elevated the trio’s profile. In 2003 Café Quijano unveiled the star-studded Que Grande Es Esto del Amor!, which included guest turns by Celine Dion and Joaquín Sabina. Despite having moved millions of units globally and standing at peak popularity, Manuel pursued the creative autonomy and individual acknowledgment available only through solo work. His first such release, Vidas y Venidas, appeared in 2007. The album entered Billboard’s European Top 100 immediately, confirming Manuel Quijano’s stature as one of his era’s signature voices.