Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MUSIC
Like its people, Peru's music is an intercontinental fusion of elements. Pre-Columbian cul-
tures contributed bamboo flutes, the Spaniards brought stringed instruments and the Afric-
ans gave it a backbone of fluid, percussive rhythm. By and large, music tends to be a re-
gional affair: African-influenced
landós
with their thumbing bass beats are predominant on
the coast, high-pitched indigenous
huaynos,
heavy on bamboo wind instruments, are heard
in the Andes and
criollo
waltzes are a must at any dance party on the coast.
Over the last several decades, the
huayno
has blended with surf guitars and Colombian
cumbia
(a type of Afro-Caribbean dance music) to produce
chicha
- a danceable sound
closely identified with the Amazon region. (Well-known
chicha
bands include Los Shapis
and Los Mirlos.)
Cumbia
is also popular. Grupo 5, which hails from Chiclayo, is currently
a favorite in the genre.
On the coast, guitar-inflected
música criolla
(
criollo
music) has its roots in both Spain
and Africa. The most famous
criollo
style is the
vals peruano
(Peruvian waltz), a three-
quarter-time waltz that is fast moving and full of complex guitar melodies. The most le-
gendary singers in this genre include singer and composer Chabuca Granda (1920-83),
Lucha Reyes (1936-73) and Arturo 'Zambo' Cavero (1940-2009). Cavero, in particular,
was revered for his gravelly vocals and soulful interpretations.
Landó
is closely connected
to this style of music, but features the added elements of call-and-response. Standout per-
formers in this vein include singers Susana Baca (b 1944) and Eva Ayllón (b 1956).
Of the infinite varieties of music that exist all over
Peru, the Afro-Peruvian tunes from the coast are
perhaps the grooviest. For an excellent primer, pick
up - or download - the David Byrne- produced
compilation
Afro-Peruvian Classics: The Soul of
Black Peru
.
