Kepa Junkera (Bilbao, 1965), spent his childhood and youth in Bilbao’s Rekalde neighbourhood, something that undoubtedly shaped his character. His first contact with music came through his aitite (maternal grandfather), who used to accompany his daughter Concha — Kepa’s mother — on tambourine during the village festivals, while she took her first dance steps as Txilibrin’s partner. Today, Kepa is considered one of the leading figures in contemporary Basque music. Trikitilari, composer and producer, he has been a tireless creator who brought the trikitixa — the traditional Basque diatonic accordion — onto stages all over the world. His musical curiosity, openness to other cultures and deep respect for his roots have turned his work into a bridge between the local and the universal.

Since his early childhood, he absorbed the popular musical and cultural atmosphere of Bilbao and quickly showed an unusual passion for music. After being part of groups such as Kepa, Zabaleta eta Motriku, he began a solid solo career, developing a personal language that combines tradition, experimentation and emotion. His music draws from Basque folklore while engaging in a dialogue with Mediterranean, Atlantic and Latin American sounds, creating a highly recognisable and powerful sonic identity.

Throughout his career, Kepa has collaborated with artists from all over the world and has received numerous awards, including the Latin Grammy for Best Folk Album for K. Beyond the awards, his legacy lies in having renewed traditional Basque music and projected it internationally without ever losing its authenticity or roots.

In December 2018, a serious health problem forced him away from the stage. Yet his creative drive remains intact. Despite limitations, Kepa continues developing new projects and keeping his music alive. In 2023 he released Erromeriak, an album featuring previously unreleased material celebrating the collective strength of women tambourine players and Basque popular tradition. His perseverance and passion continue to stand as an example of artistic vitality and love for music.

With a career spanning more than thirty years, Kepa has built one of the most substantial and personal bodies of work in the Basque musical landscape. His way of understanding the trikitixa transformed a traditional instrument into a universal language capable of crossing borders and emotions. Each of his albums is both an exploration and a declaration of love for music: an invitation to listen to the heartbeat of a people in constant motion. Without a doubt, a remarkable legacy.

DISCOGRAFY

Early years

• Infernuko Auspoa (1987) – Recorded at Elkar studios alongside Iñaki Zabaleta and José Mari “Motriku” Santiago, with the support of musicians from the highly influential Basque band Oskorri. Jean Phocas handled the mixing. A debut combining traditional rhythms and coplas by Xabier Amuriza with a fresh and precise sound.

• Triki Up (1990) – In collaboration with Imanol Urkizu and Iñaki Zabaleta. An early fusion of trikitixa with new textures; an album announcing his desire for experimentation.
• Trikitixa Zoom (1991) – An expansion of traditional sound towards a freer and more contemporary language.
• Trans-Europe Diatonique (1993) – Alongside Riccardo Tesi and John Kirkpatrick; a European journey through the diatonic accordion.
• Kalejira Al-buk (1994) – Consolidation of his personal style, featuring a more urban sound and elaborate arrangements.
• Lau Eskutara (1995) – Collaboration with Portuguese musician Júlio Pereira; a meeting point between two Atlantic traditions.
• Leonen Orroak (1996) – With Ibon Koteron; a tribute to the alboka, an instrument deeply rooted in Basque folklore, and traditional albokaris such as Leon Bilbao.