"All my life I have been in love with the music that was born from that land that I love deeply and that opened the doors of its soul and heart to me more than 20 years ago, when I started my career."

With these beautiful and grateful words, Spanish flamenco singer Diego el Cigala promoted his album Cigala Canta a México, released in June 2020.

The popular singer's plan, recognized for his masterful combination of genres and cultures, was to take his songs to Mexico, but his intentions were halted by the coronavirus pandemic. Now, his followers in the country will be able to enjoy his fusions of flamenco with Latin jazz, bolero, tango and salsa.

El Cigala concerts will start on May 5 at the National Auditorium in Mexico City, and will make later stops in cities such as Guadalajara, Aguascalientes, Puebla and Torreón.

The singer's relationship with Mexican music dates back to when he was a child. On his tribute album, he dared to try boleros and rancheras, following the legacy of great legends like José Alfredo Jiménez, Vicente Fernández, Chavela Vargas, Javier Solís or Agustína Lara.

The singer, who breathes flamenco from the moment he gets up until he goes to bed, was surprised by his ability to adapt to these new sounds.

“The mariachi has been a surprise because it hasn't been complicated for me. Everything has come from the soul, very natural. In addition, the poetry that those lyrics speak of makes me passionate and I felt it completely natural,” he explained.

For now, the setlist and if there will be any surprise guests is still unknown. What is clear is that his performances will be a tribute to two recently-deceased idols, whose songs he included on the album. Armando Manzanero, author of "Somos novios," and Vicente Fernández, singer of "De qué manera te olvido."

For Diego el Cigala, both “were great shamans who passed away and who have left a void in our hearts, but their music they will always endure.” He was able to meet Manzanero personally and they established a relationship that lasted several years.

To record this tribute album, he surrounded himself with the best of Mexican music. Among his multiple collaborators, he included Mariachi Vargas, with whom he recorded the first published single, “Somos novios.” During those musical sessions, he felt like crying “because of the great emotion they transmit. I will carry each of them and their art in my heart.”

Cigala Canta a Mexico consists of 12 songs, which will likely be the central focus of his performances. The artists said he added his flamenco art to Mexican music to enhance it even more.

"I really wanted to present it, and it will finally happen," he told the AP.

In October and November, he will continue his U.S. tour, with stops in Dallas, Orlando, Miami and New York, among other locations.