Madrid – The Spanish music group Los Chunguitos, known for their distinctive rumba sound, are embarking on a reunion tour, “El Reencuentro 50+1,” kicking off February 19th at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid. But it wasn’t just talk of the tour and their enduring legacy that captivated audiences during a recent appearance on the Spanish television program El Hormiguero. A surprising culinary confession from Juan Salazar, one of the group’s members, has quickly become a talking point: he once prepared chicken using Johnson’s baby oil.
The revelation came during a lighthearted conversation with host Pablo Motos, who prompted the group to share anecdotes from their past. Los Chunguitos – comprised of Juan, José, and Manuel Salazar, also known as Jere – reminisced about their humble beginnings, recalling a childhood marked by hardship. They described growing up in a wooden shack in the Puente de Vallecas neighborhood of Madrid, lacking basic necessities like water, electricity, and consistent meals. “We came from Badajoz and lived in a wooden shack in Puente de Vallecas,” Juan Salazar explained, “we had nothing, no water, no light, no food. We slept on the floor on a blanket.”
The conversation then turned to the resourceful ways they found to eat when times were particularly lean. Motos inquired if the story was true that Juan would produce sandwiches out of sunflower seeds. “Yes, I would put a bag of sunflower seeds on a slice of bread and eat it, shells and all,” Salazar admitted. His brother, José, chimed in, noting that while he also made sandwiches, his were the more conventional “porra” variety – a type of fried breadstick – and not quite as… inventive.
It was then that Motos brought up the unusual cooking method. He stated he’d heard that Juan Salazar had a habit of using Johnson’s baby oil when preparing chicken. Salazar confirmed the story, explaining, “It occurred to me one day, and I made it, and it was delicious. I don’t fry it in Johnson’s baby oil, but I marinate it in it first, then put it in the pan. You have to try it to see if you like it or not.”
The anecdote quickly spread online, prompting reactions ranging from amusement to concern. Johnson’s baby oil is intended for topical use on skin and is not a cooking oil. Ingesting it could potentially cause digestive upset, though the amount used in a marinade would likely be tiny. The incident highlights the lengths to which the Salazar brothers went to make do with limited resources during their demanding upbringing.
The reunion tour itself is a testament to the enduring appeal of Los Chunguitos’ music. The group originally disbanded in 2006, but the impetus for a return came from an unexpected source: José Salazar’s son, who encouraged the brothers to reunite. “He told me that we had to get together the three of us,” Manuel Salazar, known as Jere, explained. “I thought it was a great idea, that it was the perfect time to enjoy our music again and offer it to our fans.”
Los Chunguitos’ music has resonated across generations, and their songs continue to be popular in Spain. Their classic track, “Me Quedo Contigo,” recently received renewed attention thanks to a critically acclaimed rendition by Rosalía at the 2019 Goya Awards. The group members expressed their appreciation for Rosalía’s interpretation, with Juan Salazar stating that he “loved” it and felt she gave the song a fresh perspective without losing its essence. José Salazar added that it sounded “like gospel” the way Rosalía performed it.
Beyond the nostalgia and the surprising cooking confession, Los Chunguitos are also looking to the future. They announced they are working on a latest version of “Me Quedo Contigo” – a bachata remix featuring Juan Magán, a prominent figure in the Latin music scene. This collaboration signals an effort to reach a wider audience and potentially top the summer charts.
The group’s journey from a humble shack in Vallecas to the stage at Las Ventas is a story of resilience, family, and the enduring power of music. As they embark on “El Reencuentro 50+1,” Los Chunguitos are not only celebrating their past but also embracing new possibilities. Fans can find more information about the tour and upcoming performances on the group’s official social media channels and through concert promoters.
The first concert of the tour is scheduled for February 19th at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid, marking over five decades of musical contributions from Los Chunguitos.
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