They are cousins from
Nîmes, France, who have been playing together since they were 14 years old. Described as a cross between the
Gipsy Kings and
Buena Vista Social Club, the group blends
Cuban music,
rumba catalana and
flamenco (primarily
rumba flamenca) and features a touch of North African influence. After backing flamenco artists including
Manitas de Plata and
Paco de Lucía, they formed the group
Alabina with vocalist
Ishtar. Alabina, which combined flamenco music and Arabic vocals, topped the World Music and Latin charts in
Billboard magazine. The four cousins are named Antonio ("Tonio") (also written Antoine) Contreras, Ramón Compas, Santiago ("Santi") Lorente, and Coco. Though they speak both Spanish and French, they only sing in their native Spanish. Tonio, the lead male singer, plays guitar. In addition to all providing back-up vocals, Ramón and Santi play guitar and Coco plays percussion. On their own, Los Niños have produced two CDs:
La Cubanita (2001) and
Gipsyolé (2003). Their songs often speak of family, love, and God. ==Discography==