Antonio Núñez Montoya was born in Jerez de la Frontera, although he soon moved to Seville, the city which witnessed his birth as an artist. Referred to as "Boquerón de Jerez" when he was a boy, el Chocolate learned his flamenco on the street, under the guidance of greats like Tomás Pavón, Manolo Caracol and Manuel Vallejo. El Chocolate, who had one of the most knowledgeable and well-respected voices in flamenco, worked with great artists like Carmen Amaya, Melchor de Marchena and Niño Ricardo.