Acclaimed Chilean ensemble Chico Trujillo started as an offshoot of punk/ska band La Floripondio in 1999. Eventually, Chico Trujillo became Chile’s leading crossover cumbia band. In particular, Chico Trujillo’s successful sound combines cumbia with Chilean music, rock, ska, boleros and other influences.
The ensemble’s high energy concerts have made Chico Trujillo a popular act in their country as well as in others parts of the globe, including many world music festivals.
“The initial influence for us and primitive desire to both make music and people dance has never changed since we started,” said percussionist Juanito Gronemeyer to the English-language press in Santiago. “The objective of Chico Trujillo is to party. It’s to generate dancing. For many years, it was badly looked upon (and even prohibited) in Chile to have a good time. We want to lift the stress of the working week from people, so that they can relax, dance and have a great time!”
The Chico Trujillo lineup in 2022 included Juan Gronemeyer on percussion; Michael Magliocchetti on guitar and vocals; Tuto Vargas on bass; Sebastián Cabezas on trumpet; Tio Rodi on percussion; Luis Tabilo on trombone; and Aldo ‘Macha’ Asenjo on guitar and lead vocals.
Discography:
Chico Trujillo y la Señora Imaginación (2001)
Fiesta de reyes, live (2003)
Cumbia chilombiana (Oveja Negra, 2007)
Plato único bailable (Oveja Negra, 2008)
Chico de oro (Rodrec, 2009)
Vivito y coleando, live (Oveja Negra, 2010)
El gran pecador (Oveja Negra, 2012)
La Reina de todas las fiestas (Barbès Records, 2015)
Mambo mundial (Flowfish Records, 2019)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.