Perkutao – Mis Ancestros (Buh Records, 2021)
Perkutao is a rising Peruvian music ensemble that has brought new attention to the Afro-Peruvian music scene. Although their music is rooted in Afro-Peruvian traditions, they have also added Afro-Cuban influences as well as various contemporary popular styles, which they perform with dazzling speed and clarity. “Mis ancestros” (My Ancestors), is their debut album for Buh Records.
“I follow in the footsteps of my ancestors, to the beat of the cajita, the quijada and the cajón, to the rhythm of a zamacueca, a festejo and a good landó”. This is an excerpt of the spoken lyrics of “Poema”, the opening track of the album. The percussion foundation accompanies Percy Chinchilla’s voice and builds up, giving the listener a hint of the musical paths explored by Perkutao.
The next three pieces, “Azañero Colorao”, “Trucutum Kiti Pa” and “Cancha con Sabor”, highlight the fundamental Afro-Peruvian percussion instruments. Chiefly, these are small percussion instruments like the cajita and quijada, along with the zapateo foot percussion and the cajón box drum that has become so popular among percussionists worldwide.
On “Madre África” and “Al Tayta Bukense”, Perkutao skillfully use West African jembes and Cuban congas, incorporating African and Afro-Cuban influences.
Aside from Afro-Peruvian and Afro-Cuban music, Perkutao also enjoy playing salsa. On the album “Mis Ancestros”, Perkutao perform “Lloraré”, a famous Cuban song performed exclusively with percussion and vocals. The album also includes the percussion jam “Descarga Perkutao” and the Afro-Cuban rooted “Mantis Religiosa”.
More about Perkutao.
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.