Joaquín Sabina’s life has always been shrouded in mystery, but one of the most enigmatic chapters from his past is linked to a woman named Sonia. During his forced stay in London, at the very start of his journey in a foreign land, the Spanish musician met Sonia—a woman who turned his world upside down. Their relationship was a whirlwind: passion, intense emotions, constant suspicion, and impulsive actions. Usually reserved and not prone to confessions, Sabina, many years later, finally decided to share what happened between them.
Sonia was not just his lover—she was a true trial for Sabina. He describes her as unpredictable, vibrant like lightning, and at the same time incredibly vulnerable. There was constant tension between them: Sonia suspected Sabina of cheating, although he insisted he had been faithful to her for a long time. But one day, tired of endless accusations, he allowed himself a brief affair—as if in response to her distrust.
Tested by passion
Sonia did not remain in his debt. One day, Sabina found a note under the lamp on his nightstand, in which she confessed: over their two turbulent years together, she had had more than a dozen lovers. She explained it as wanting to ‘have backup’ and not come out on the losing side. For Sabina, it was a real shock, but he couldn’t help but admire her honesty and inner freedom. Ultimately, though, it was this very freedom that destroyed their relationship.
There was even some mysticism in their relationship. Sabina recalled how Sonya once cut off a lock of his hair, carefully placed it in an envelope, and later he found the envelope burned. According to him, Sonya practiced something akin to magic, which only added to the mystery of their bond. He admitted that at times he felt as though he was under a spell, unable to break free from this enchanted circle.
The London years
Sabina’s time in London became a period of self-discovery and new meaning. He performed in small clubs, met all sorts of people, but it was Sonya who made the deepest impression on his soul. Their relationship was full of contradictions: on one hand — wild passion, on the other — constant quarrels and distrust. Sabina confessed he had never experienced anything like it before or since.
Sonya became a symbol of that era for him — a time when he was young, bold, and ready to challenge the world. But along with that came disappointments: jealousy, infidelity, a sense of betrayal. At some point, Sabina realized he had to leave the past behind in order to move forward.
A new beginning
Today, Joaquín Sabina leads a completely different life. He is married to Jimena Coronado, raises two daughters from previous relationships, and has long left the turbulent years of his youth behind. After leaving the stage, the musician found the harmony and peace he once could only dream of. Memories of Sonya remain part of his personal story — vivid, yet painful.
Sabina rarely revisits these events, preferring to focus on the present and the future. Still, the story with Sonia continues to intrigue fans and journalists alike: that chapter of his life was remarkably dramatic and unusual. Perhaps it was these very trials that shaped Sabina into who he is today—a person who knows how to value love, freedom, and sincerity.
Joaquín Sabina is one of Spain’s most renowned singer-songwriters, a poet and composer whose songs have become anthems for generations. His work has earned numerous awards, and his concerts have filled venues not only across Spain but also internationally. Despite facing difficult periods in his life, Sabina remains an iconic figure in Spanish music and continues to inspire fans around the world.
