ESPÍRITO NATIVO
Afro-Peru
"The slaves, being stripped of their language, religion, drums, and other elements, began to create new instruments. Thus was born the cajón – an Afro-Peruvian soul!"
In Peru, slaves not only created new instruments but also a new identity, in which they found refuge and pride. What initially was an identifying mark of a class gradually gained a dimension that transcended it and is increasingly gaining followers beyond its borders. In other words, Afro-Peruvian music is, today, part of Peruvian identity itself.
From the vast collection of traditional themes, gathered over time by various ethnomusicologists, and other contemporary themes, Espírito Nativo brings to this concert a selection that reflects the great variety of Afro-Peruvian musical genres, from the gentlest landós and panalívios to the rhythmic zamacuecas and festejos . The cajón is the quintessential Afro-Peruvian instrument, but it is not the only one. It is accompanied by the cajita , the quijada , and the cencerro, creating an undeniably African atmosphere but with its own character that took root on the coast of Peru.
Peruvian Creole music is also present, where borders blur and the guitar takes on a very unique way of being played.
Jacqueline Mercado – lead vocal and quijada
Rui Meira – acoustic guitar and charango
Denys Stetsenko – violin
Iúri Oliveira – percussion
