Traditional Peruvian Music: Sounds that Tell the Story of a Country

Imagine a trip through Peru without moving a single foot. Only with your ears. From the vibrant coast to the highest Andes to the deepest jungle, each region has its own rhythm, its own instruments and its own history. Peruvian traditional music is a living reflection of the country’s cultural diversity. But what makes it so special? Read on and find out.

Origins and Evolution of Traditional peruvian music

Traditional peruvian music has its roots in three major influences: pre-Hispanic culture, Spanish heritage and African traditions. These currents have merged over time, giving rise to a variety of genres and styles unique in the world.

During Peru’s pre-Columbian era, when it was not yet formed as a country and was part of the Tahuantinsuyo (Inca Empire), this great empire absorbed ancient cultures such as Chavín, Paracas, Moche, Chimú, Nazca and many more. These civilizations already had traditional instruments such as the antara (flute), the pututo (seashell), the zampoña, the charango and drums, which gave rise to the huayno.

With the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century, they introduced European rhythms such as the waltz and the polka, as well as instruments such as the guitar and the harp. These elements merged with the two musical genres already established in Peru: the huayno and the marinera.

During the colonial period, African slaves brought intense rhythms and a marked percussion. With this new influence came genres such as festejo and creole music, the latter being rapidly popular in the country, along with the emblematic Peruvian cajón.

In 1960, another well-known genre from Peru is the Amazonian cumbia was born, which is inspired by the psychedelic rock of the time. One of the pioneering bands was Los Mirlos, who incorporated hypnotic electric guitar sounds and indigenous Amazonian rhythms.

Main Genres of Traditional Peruvian Music

Peru is so rich in music that each region has its own characteristic style. The following are the most representative genres.

Music of the Coast

• > Marinera: Considered the national dance of Peru, the marinera combines indigenous, African and Spanish influences in its rhythm. It is distinguished by its elegant footwork and the use of the handkerchief as the main element in the dance.
  Its origin is influenced by the Spanish fandango, the African zamacueca and Andean courtship dances, giving rise to an artistic expression that represents Peru’s cultural mestizaje.
• > Creole Waltz: An adaptation of the European waltz with a more marked rhythm with touches of traditional Peruvian and African music with nostalgic or happy lyrics. It is a slow rhythm to dance with a partner.
• > Polka: The Peruvian polka is a festive and joyful genre that was born from the fusion of the European polka with Creole and Afro-Peruvian influences in the 1940s. Its dynamic and jumping rhythm invites dancing and interaction. Originally performed at parties of Lima’s upper class, it eventually became popular in all social classes, becoming part of Peru’s traditional music. Its lyrics usually deal with light and festive themes, reflecting the jovial spirit of this genre.
• > Creole music: It emerged with the arrival of the Spaniards, who brought African slaves with them. In its beginnings, this music was only played in private gatherings, since it was forbidden by the Spanish conquistadors.
  However, over time it managed to consolidate and, from 1950, it began to gain greater recognition and diffusion. Since then, it has continued to grow, with outstanding exponents such as Eva Ayllón and Chabuca Granda, who took this genre to an international level.
• > Festejo/Afroamericana: A genre that was born from the evolution of Creole music or also known as Afro-Peruvian music, a festive and energetic rhythm of Afro-Peruvian origin, where the Peruvian cajón is the protagonist. To understand this rhythm you can listen to the song “El Alcatraz” by Oscar Aviles.
• > Chicha/Cumbia Peruana: It is one of the most recent genres, born between 1950 and 1980, as a result of the migration of highlanders to Lima in search of better job opportunities. With them they brought the huayno, while the Colombian cumbia began to gain popularity in the country.
  From the fusion of these genres came chicha, a vibrant and festive musical style. Its key instruments are the electric guitar and synthesizers, which give it its characteristic sound.

Music of the highlands

• > Huayno: The most popular genre in the Andes and the most traditional in Peru. It is performed with quenas, charangos and harps, and its lyrics usually speak of love, suffering, pain and life in the highlands.
• > Muliza: Originating in Cerro de Pasco, in the central region of Peru, this genre is characterized by its melancholic rhythm, as it emerged among the muleteers who transported minerals to northern Argentina.
• The lyrics of its songs reflect the problems, the hope of the people and the loneliness experienced during long journeys through the countryside. Their distinctive sound comes from the saxophone, a fundamental instrument in their interpretation.
• > Huaylash: A lively and festive genre, accompanied by typical dances. It is very similar to the huayno, the lyrics of this genre talk about agricultural life style and is very popular in the central-southern highlands of Peru such as Junin, Huancayo and Huancavelica.
• > Andean music: It is one of the most popular genres of the Peruvian highlands that reflects the identity and history. It is played with instruments such as the quena, zampoña, pututos, guitar, harp, violin and drums. The lyrics usually speak of love, violence and state oppression of the Peruvian highlands.
• > Yavari: This genre originated in Arequipa as a poetic expression and eventually evolved into a musical genre between the 17th and 18th centuries. Influenced by Spanish music, its rhythm is usually slow, with melancholic and romantic lyrics.

Music of the jungle

• > Amazonian Cumbia: Fusion between jungle rhythms and Colombian cumbia, along with rock with a psychedelic and electrifying style, were the perfect ingredients to give birth to this genre. Their songs talk about love and daily life and are full of vibrant energy, the best known song is El sonido de los mirlos (The sound of the blackbirds).
• > Pandilla: The pandilla is a musical genre and traditional dance of the Peruvian jungle, especially popular in regions such as Loreto, San Martin and Ucayali. Its festive and lilting rhythm reflects the joy and community spirit of the Amazon.
  It is danced in groups, forming rounds and chains, with agile steps and coordinated movements. Its music combines native instruments such as drums and maracas with mestizo influences, making it a unique and vibrant cultural expression, especially present in the festivities of San Juan.

Typical Instruments of Peruvian Music

Each musical genre has its own characteristic instruments. Some of the most important are:

• > Peruvian Cajon: Percussion instrument created by Afro-Peruvians, essential in Afro-Peruvian music and festivities.
• > Charango: Small Andean guitar with a brilliant sound and called the national instrument. It was invented during the viceroyalty to imitate the Spanish vihuela.
• > Quena: Traditional flute made of cane or bone.
• > Andean Bombo: Large deep-sounding drum used in the highlands.

Inca instruments

These instruments are used since the Inca period

• > Zampoña/antaras: Pan flute used in Andean music.
• > Pomatinyas: They are small drums made with the skin of puma.
• > Guayllaquepas: They are trumpets made of Strombus.
• > Pinkullo: It is a wind instrument similar to the quena.
• > Huancar or wankara: Large drum used by men.
• > Tinya: Small drum used by women.

Peruvian Music Today

With modernization and over the years, new rhythms from neighboring countries came to Peru to stay and are now even the favorite rhythms of Peruvians.

Salsa

Salsa arrived in Peru in the 70’s, influenced by the explosion of the genre in New York and the Caribbean. In Lima, the music of artists such as Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón and Celia Cruz began to be played in radios and discos. Salsa fever grew with the arrival of international orchestras and the creation of Peruvian groups such as N’Samble and Zaperoko. Over time, Peruvian salsa adopted a style of its own, with lyrics reflecting life in the barrios and a fusion of local rhythms.

Latin Ballads

Latin ballads conquered Peru in the 60’s and 70’s with the influence of artists such as Sandro, José José and Camilo Sesto. Their melodic romanticism became the soundtrack of many generations. Over the years, the genre was consolidated with the arrival of Peruvian balladeers such as Jean Paul Strauss and Gian Marco. Although it has evolved over time, the ballad continues to be popular in radios and concerts, maintaining its sentimental essence.

Spanish Rock

Rock in Spanish took root in Peru in the 1980s and 1990s with the arrival of bands such as Soda Stereo, Enanitos Verdes and Hombres G. A local scene soon emerged with groups such as Frágil, Rio and Arena Hash, which incorporated Anglo-Saxon influences with Spanish lyrics. Today, Peruvian rock is still alive with exponents such as Mar de Copas and TK, maintaining a loyal audience and fusing the genre with other styles.

Reguetón

Reguetón arrived in Peru in the early 2000s with the rise of artists such as Daddy Yankee and Don Omar. Its catchy rhythm and urban lyrics quickly conquered discotheques and radio stations. In the country, the genre was adapted by local artists such as Kalé and Josimar y su Yambú (with salsa choke fusions). Today, reggaeton is still the preferred genre of Peruvian youth, evolving with trap and other urban rhythms.

Latin Pop

Latin pop was consolidated in Peru thanks to the influence of artists such as Luis Miguel, Shakira and Ricky Martin. In the 1990s and 2000s, the country became an obligatory stop for the tours of international stars. Peruvian singers such as Anna Carina and Ezio Oliva have been able to adapt it with modern fusions, achieving recognition in the Latin scene.

Cumbia Peruana or Cumbia Costeña

Cumbia arrived in Peru from Colombia in the 1960s, but quickly acquired its own identity with Andean and Amazonian influences. On the coast, cumbia costeña, represented by groups such as Chacalón y La Nueva Crema, Grupo 5 and Armonía 10, incorporated electric guitars and lyrics that narrate popular sentiment. This genre is a cultural phenomenon in the country, present in parties and celebrations of all kinds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the most notable singers in Peru?

The most outstanding singers of Peru are

• > Eva Ayllon
• > Luis Abanto Morales
• > Arturo “Zambo” Cavero
• > Francisco Gonzalez Gamarra
• > Manuel Prado
• > Jaime Guardia
• > Martina Portocarrero
• > Raul Romero
• > Susana Baca and Imac Sumac

What are the most iconic songs of Peru?

1. El Condor Pasa by Daniel Alomía Robles
2. Virgenes del Sol by Jorge Bravo
3. Esta es mi tierra by Augusto Polo Campos
4. Enamorada de mi tierra (In love with my land) interpreted by Peruvian singer Eva Ayllón
5. Contigo Perú by Augusto Polo Campos
6. Morena la Flor de Lima by Augusto Polo Campos and interpreted by Peruvian singer Lucha Reyes.
7. Mi Perú
8. Y Se Llama Perú by the famous composer Arturo ‘Zambo’ Cavero
9. El pio pio by Eusebio “Chato” Grados
10. Jipi jay de Pepe Vasquez
11. Triciclo Perú by Los Mojarras
12. Hoy by Gian Marco and Interpreted by Gloria Estefan
13. Soy provinciano by Chacalon
14. Ya se ha muerto mi abuelo by Juaneco y su combo
15. La danza de los mirlos by Los Mirlos
16. Por tu amor by Autocontrol
17. Tusuykusun by Damaris
18. Si tu no estas by Antonio Cartagena
19. Niñachay by Willian Luna
20. Pensando en ti by Agua marina

Traditional peruvian music is much more than sounds and melodies: it is history, culture and passion. If you ever have the chance to listen to a live marinera, feel the strength of a huayno or get carried away by the festejo, you will understand why this music is the soul of Peru. Do you want to know more about a particular genre? Tell us in the comments.