Caco Senante Makes Triumphant Return to Amman Stage

Under a November full moon in Amman's Roman amphitheater, the Jordanian crowd enthusiastically cheered "Volver, volver" and applauded Caco Senante and Mariella Könh. For the Canarian musician, "Volver" (which means "to return") held a special significance: it marked his return to the stage after several months away due to health issues. Senante performed his show, "Chavela, el último trago" (Chavela, The Last Drink), at the Odeon, simply calling it "Chavela."

This performance was a celebration of life, featuring songs that resonate with generations of Spanish speakers. Senante's trip was supported by the Cervantes Institute in Amman. They partnered with the Mexican Embassy in Jordan to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Mexico and Jordan.

This wasn't Caco Senante's first time in the Middle East. He previously performed in Amman in 2005 with "Lo mejor de los mejores" (The Best of the Best), a show he also brought to Beirut. In 2021, he returned to Lebanon to sing at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Baalbek, performing "Cantamos el mismo idioma" (We Sing the Same Language).

"Shows like Senante's help spread the Spanish language," said Yolanda Soler Onís, director of the Cervantes Institute in Amman, during the concert's introduction at the Odeon. She reminded everyone that the Institute aims to share the language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Soler added, "Tonight, on this ancient stage, voices from Spain and Peru unite to perform the Mexican songs made famous by Chavela Vargas, accompanied by Argentine Raúl Kiokio's guitar."

Caco Senante admitted that the Amman audience surprised him once more, much like the crowd in Oran had years ago. "These are concerts you remember fondly," he said, smiling. "You get audience reactions you don't expect because of cultural differences, but they get hooked from the very first song. I enjoy challenging audiences."

He added, "The audiences I've found in these countries are eager for new music and ideas, and they are very appreciative. I remember the roar of applause in Oran, as if we were the Rolling Stones; those reactions are incredibly rewarding for an artist."

Senante considers it a privilege to perform in historic places like the Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek or the Odeon in Amman. He imagines what it must have been like for performers thousands of years ago. Singing under a full moon, as he did that night at the Odeon, felt like a special gift, especially after his nearly three-month forced break due to illness.

Despite the difficult experience of isolation and complications from his medical procedure, Caco Senante feels he has emerged stronger. "I return with a strong desire to keep getting on stage," he stated. His perception of time has changed; "Now I'm in a hurry to do things," he said. He has many projects lined up. For instance, after meeting designer Cristina Pineda, who was in Amman presenting a collection based on her character Xico, there's a plan to bring the "Chavela" show to Mexico in early 2026.

Senante contrasted the silence of his hospital days with the silence he experienced in the Wadi Rum desert after his Amman concerts. "Discovering the desert's silence and colors is magical," he commented. "There are different kinds of silence. Yupanqui once said he hated silence, but I'm sure that's because he hadn't experienced the silence of this desert."

Caco Senante is returning to Spain with renewed energy. His next performance is on November 15 in Alicante, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the group Albaladre, with whom he has recorded and performed live. He is also working with Amalur Films, the producer of "Chavela, el último trago," on a new show featuring songs about wine. From Jordan, there was only one fitting response: a toast to the return of the talented artist from Tenerife.