Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

Peruvian Song Playlist

Peruvian Song Playlist

3MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-10-06

The 31st of October is not only Halloween but the day of the “Cancion Criolla,” or the Creole Song. Officially, this has been a Peruvian tradition for 75 years, when President Prado decided to commemorate this date. Music is an integral part of Peruvian culture, and this playlist serves to remember the origins and reinforce the Peruvian identity.  Here are ten unmissable songs for your “Peruvian Criolla Song Playlist!

 

Music is everywhere in Peru. Around every Street corner, there is a Peru festival with music dance, and generally food and drink. Join in the party and immerse yourself in the local culture on your Peru vacation package!

Acoustic Guitar

 

El plebeyo

Felipe Pinglo Alva composed this Peruvian waltz. Written and composed in the 1920s, this song catapulted Felipe Pinglo Alva to fame and made him known nationally and internationally.

 

If you’ve ever been to a Peruvian peña specifically a party of musica criolla, you will know about Criolla culture. Afro-Peruvian musical tradition with roots in Peru’s Spanish past. Learn more insight on your Lima Peru tours.

Creole Music Group


 
Alma, Corazon y Vida

Adrián Flores Alván wrote this song called Soul, Heart, and Life. The composer from Piura in the north of Peru wrote this song when he was just 23 years old, and today it is a memorable theme for Peruvians. 

 

Cariño Bonito

“Sweetheart” was written by Augusto Polo Campos and is dedicated to his daughter. It was so recognized that later Arturo Cavero and Óscar Avilés would interpret this famous Peruvian song. 

 

Creole music, or musica negra, began in Peru in the 16th century, when black slaves were first imported into Spain’s colonies. Over time, these traditions fused with Hispanic and indigenous elements to create a more vibrant coastal sound that expressed Peru’s multi-racial soul. Absorb the criolla culture on your Lima city tours.

Augusto Polo Campos

 

Contigo Perú

This Anthem was composed by Augusto Polo Campos and is practically the second national anthem in Peru. The song was written in 1977 at the request of President Morales Bermúdez to encourage the football players in the qualifying process for the World Cup in Argentina.

 

Cuando Llora mi Guitarra

When Augusto Polo Campos was walking down Abancay Avenue in Lima to return home, he decided to compose this waltz that is now almost another national anthem. Without a doubt a masterpiece of Peruvian music.

 

Cholo soy

Luis Abanto Morales started composing at the beginning of the 1940s, but this is undoubtedly one of his best works since it reflects a crucial time in his life.

 

As the 20th century dawned, Lima’s elite was busy following European fashions. Meanwhile, the rhythms of Afro-Peru had survived in all-night parties held in the alleys and the slums that housed the city’s workers. An art form that truly was of the people. Learn more about Creole cccculure on your Lima Peru tours.

Luis Abanto Morales

 

Mal Paso

Luis Abelardo Núñez narrates this story of heartbreak. There is no lack of melancholy and pain in this song, but above all, the theme displays the famous "crying" of the Peruvian guitar.

 

La Flor de la Canela

This single was composed by the famous Peruvian composer Chabuca Granda, who Peru inspired, and this is not merely a song but a hymn of creole music in Peru.

 

Those who visit Lima today have two options for listening to musica criolla. Peñas are more commercial, a kind of mix between a concert hall, dance club, and dinner theater, with the best located in Barranco, near Miraflores. Cultural centers are raw, more soulful, and closer to the authentic spirit of criollism. Make sure you visit on when you travel to Lima Peru.

Statue in Lima of Chabuca Granda

 

“Jippie Jay”

It is the most famous song by singer-songwriter Pepe Vásquez. Sang to the tune of ”she´ll be coming round the mountain when she comes,” it became one of the favorites for Peruvians to dance at parties or family gatherings.

 

Y se llama Peru

This patriotic song is dedicated to the beautiful land of the sun and beloved Peru and performed by Augusto Polo Campos.

 

Some Peruvians fear the criole heritage is dying out. However, if the last 400 years are any indication, great popular traditions don’t need social media, PR, or even societal approval to flourish. A guitar and a single listener will do just fine.So Criole is now a kind of underground scene. Make sure you learn about the vibrrant soul of Lima when you visit on your Peru vacation package.

Pepe Vasquez

 

Make sure you include these “Criolla” songs on your Peruvian song playlist to understand Peruvian “Criolla” culture better.

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