Top Ten Peruvian Bands and Artists

Music is and has always been a key ingredient to Peru’s collective cultural identity. The evolution from the Afro - Peruvian criollo tradition of the 1950’s to the psychedelic cumbias of the 70’s to the bleeps, basslines and cumbia mashups of modern day Lima, has always reflected Peru’s unique national and indigenous identity. Here is a list of top ten Peruvian artists and bands of all time.

By Martin Morales and Duncan Ballantyne, from Ceviche and Tiger’s Milk Records.

1. Juaneco y su Combo

Juaneco is a treasured musical icon in Peru due to their chicha sound, a style of music exclusive to Peru that came to roost out of the popularity of cumbia. Hailing from the Amazon with electric guitars and a musical appreciation of the modern Amazonian sounds of Brazilian Carimbo , Cumbia and Rock n Roll but with a large respect to huayno and the traditional elements of Peruvian culture. Sadly the creative leader Noe Fachin was killed in a plane crash in 1977 and Juaneco died in 2004 but the band still continue after the mantel was passed onto the son of Juaneco, Mao Wong Lopez.

2. Los Saicos

The Peruvian punk outfit who outdated the New York Dolls and The Sex Pistols with their brand of loud, fiery and high octane punk and garage. Los Saicos were the first ever punk band in the world and Lima was their stomping ground. Their guttural and stripped back sound of guitars, drums, bass and vocals was the ideal soundtrack to an epoch defined by a burgeoning counter culture and exuberant youth movement.

3. The Mad's - Peru's Latin Psyche rock band

Los Mads were a Latin Psych rock band whose sound bears much resemblance to the psychedelic rock that came from the west during the hippie movement of the late 1960s. From the district of Lince, its no surprise that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards fell in love with their charm in 1969 especially as much of their lyrical content was in English.

4. Chacalon -The Pharoah of Chicha

literally known as the pharoah of chicha music (El Faraon de la Chicha), Lorenzo Palacios Quispe AKA Chacalon was a sensation for a criminally short time living to only 44 years old but receiving much acclaim as one of Peru's brightest stars reigniting the electrified chicha tradition connecting with new audiences in the city and the countryside.

5. Lucha Reyes - the Nina Simone of Peru

Her heartfelt criollo songs have become anthems. When you come to symbolise your nationhood, It's fair to say that you have indeed made your mark as did Lucha Reyes, the singer from the district of Rimac in Lima who has been compared to global figures such as Nina Simone. Her heartfelt criollo albums have become anthems in her homeland. October 31 marks the day of her death and the national day of the creole song - what a legacy!

6. Arturo Z. Cavero - Peru's own Nat King Cole

Another representative of the Afro Peruvian tradition and leading male crooner deemed a treasure within the Peruvian cultural identity. Comparissons have been made with Nat King Cole yet his style was born out of the festejo sound, grounded within AFrican tradtion and celebrating the emancipation of slaves.

7. Bareto - Popular Cumbia activists were formed in Miraflores

The latest record by Bareto Ves lo que quieres ver' mixes reggae, cumbia, psychedlia and dub with various Latin styles and done in a socially conscious manner lyrically referencing racism, social differences and lack of security on the streets of Peru. The band have just been nominated for a grammy and are based in Miraflores, Lima and promise to have a sustained and successful career ahead of them.

8. La Sarita - Peruvian activist and socially conscious punk rock group

From El Agustino and formed in 1998, La Sarita has a sound and variety similar to Manu Chao and a sensibility that retains a grounding and awareness around environmental and social issues in Peru, La Sarita are internationally recognised and huge across all of South and Central America. Formed in 1998, the band have released 3 albums and combine Latin rock with Andean and Afro influences led by the charismatic Julio Perez.

9. La Inedita: Leaders of the new Peruvian urban cumbia.

Direct from the barrio of La Victoria, Lima...La Inedita are tough! Masters at rhyming and rocking these guys are not for the faint hearted and are massively talented with a sound and style akin to Rage Against the Machine and Asian Dub Foundation. Often drawing on their cumbia or reggae roots these guys are the leaders of Peru's urban underground.

10. Novalima: Cutting edge Grammy nominated contemporary electronic and Afro-Peruvian band

Starting out in Lima's bohemian barrio of Barranco, Novalima transcend categorisation often playing with a myriad of musicians and collaborators from around the world yet their electronic sounds always kicks but with a charm that evokes laid back Lima, African style. Recorded on labels Cumbancha and Mr Bongo, Novalima have become internationally recognised and will probably be playing a festival or club near you soon - loads more to come from these guys.

1. Rompe y Raja

http://www.derompeyraja.pe/

The best place to party with traditional Peruvian ‘criolla’ music. Prepare to move your hips at the percussion rhythms of their live band, drink lots of Pisco and enjoy Peruvian food.

2. Don Porfirio
http://www.donporfiriobarranco.com/
Opens only on Friday, because it is said to be the day that ‘criolla’ music is celebrated.  With its family and festive feeling this place is perfect to enjoy a traditional Peruvian night out.

3. La Oficina
http://www.laoficinabarranco.com/
On the outside it looks like any other house, but don't be fooled; an old fashion ‘peña’ takes place inside this location. La Oficina presents the traditions of ‘criolla’ culture and serves great food. Plus, the throw one hell of a party that will keep you dancing all night.

5. La Noche
http://www.lanoche.com.pe/
Walk through the alleyway on the approach of La Noche and you start to get the vibe. A kind of pub set in a colonial house which is THE place to hear some of the best alternative bands in Lima.

6. Huaringas
This is the bar of the great restaurant Brujas de Cachiche, and it's also  one of the top lounge bars in town. Try their famous Passion Fruit Pisco Sour or choose something from their creative menu of Pisco cocktails.

7. Jazz Zone
http://www.jazzzoneperu.com/
The name of this bar and restaurant says it all. It’s all about jazz.  It’s an intimate bar, located secretly in the middle of a passage. Come and listen to some great musicians, buy some records, attend one of their music lessons or just enjoy a cocktail in a cozy setting.

8. El Dragon
http://www.eldragon.com.pe/
The funk band “Diablos Azules” founded this cultural bar as a place for new alternative music; it became a venue for urban culture.  Like the band, it has a funky style to go with it. Go with plenty of time, you have to queue to get inside.

9. La Posada del Angel
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Posada-del-Angel-II/227751543950553
This cozy bar in the historic center of Barranco is a romantic spot. Enjoy some live Trova music and great cocktails.

10. La Estacion de Barranco
http://www.laestaciondebarranco.com/
It has been an institution in Lima’s nightlife for more than 25 years.  It was the first bar with live music in Barranco. A great place to experience music and art.

11. Ayahuasca:
http://ayahuascarestobar.com/
This renovated nineteenth century mansion has a vast collection of ‘macerados’ or Pisco infusions. Its decoration is like a psyched up trip that and transports you to the Andean paradigm. 

12. Piselli:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Piselli-Barranco/156843684338303?fref=ts
Piselli is a charming old fashion style bar where artistic and creative Peruvians gather to enjoy national beers and sandwiches with ‘Jamon del Norte’ jam. It closes early; make sure you start your night here.