Many travelers to Peru may be surprised to learn about the rich influence of African culture on our country. In the 16th century, Peru faced significant changes, including the arrival of African slaves during a challenging time for the Inca Empire due to disease and Spanish conquest.
Today, Afro-Peruvian culture plays a vital role in shaping Peru’s identity. That’s why this blog invites you to explore its fascinating history, lively traditions, and joyful celebrations. You can also see for yourself these vibrant costumes when you visit our country.
Enslaved Africans introduced lively music to Peru’s coast, which blended beautifully with Spanish influences, giving rise to unique Afro-Peruvian music, dance, and food. This cultural heritage continues flourishing adding depth and richness to Peru’s artistic and social landscape.
History
Afro-Peruvian culture has a rich history that dates back to colonial times when numerous people from Africa came to Peru. During the 16th and 17th centuries, they formed a significant part of the coastal population. At first, Afro-Peruvians were appreciated for their skills as artisans and farmers.
In the 19th century, many found themselves working in tough conditions on cotton and sugar cane plantations and in coastal vineyards, playing a crucial role as the main workforce in these areas. Although slavery officially ended in 1854, it wasn’t until 2009 that the Peruvian government expressed its regret for the hardships that Afro-Peruvians faced.
This acknowledgment was an important step in recognizing their contributions and the challenges they endured. Recently, we have seen a growing appreciation for Afro-Peruvian culture in Peru. This reflects Peru’s commitment to embracing its multicultural identity and recognizing the diverse backgrounds that shape our nation.
Food
African slaves brought wonderful new ingredients and cooking styles to Peru, blending these with local and Spanish traditions, and creating some of our favorite dishes. They introduced ingredients like cassava, ají panca, etc, which pair beautifully with llama, beef, and corn.
Their cooking methods, especially for seafood and meats, added great flavor to Peru’s cuisine. One standout dish is carapulcra con sopa seca. This tasty meal features dried potatoes, pork, peanuts,ají panca, and it’s often enjoyed with chicha de jora.
Originating in Chincha, this dish showcases the creativity of African slaves who skillfully used local ingredients. Another beloved dish is anticucho, which is a marinated beef heart. This delicious street food has strong Afro-Peruvian roots and is cherished by many.
Chincha is a lively center for Afro-Peruvian culture, preserving these culinary traditions. Afro-Peruvian cuisine is a delightful mix of flavors and stories that have enriched Peru for centuries. Each bite invites you to connect with this vibrant history.
Music & Instruments
African music came to Peru with Angolan slaves in the 16th century, the original name was “African Lundu”, and then it blended with Peruvian folklore creating Afro Peruvian Music, often called “Lando.”This vibrant music style mixes African and Spanish influences, creating something truly special.
One key instrument in this genre is the “cajón peruano”, a Peruvian instrument similar to a box that the Afro-Peruvian people invented during the time of slavery. It’s really interesting to learn that this unique drum comes from box-shaped percussion instruments that originated in Africa.
The story of the cajón is quite inspiring. When Spanish colonists prohibited Africans from playing their music, the slaves found a clever solution. They used the cajón as both a drum and a seat, allowing them to keep their musical traditions alive. Even today, many cajón players still sit on their instruments while they play, which adds to the charm of the music.
Other delightful instruments in this genre include the “cajita” (See the picture above), a smaller box instrument, and the “quijada de burro”, made from the jawbone of a donkey or an ox. This rich musical heritage is something we should truly celebrate and appreciate!
Renowned Artists
Arturo “Zambo” Cavero played a vital role in celebrating Afro-Peruvian culture, bringing Afro-Peruvian music to life in Peru and beyond. His popular songs from the 1950s, like “Contigo Peru” and “Toro Mata” among others, became favorites across Latin America.
Cavero skillfully combined festive styles, like festejo and landó, with Creole influences, helping to shape the unique Afro-Peruvian identity. He courageously fought against racial discrimination and worked hard to ensure that Afro-Peruvian culture received the recognition it deserved in Peru’s identity.
Other notable figures in Afro-Peruvian culture include the talented poet and activist Nicomedes Santa Cruz, an expert in poems and “decima” singer.
Each of these individuals made important contributions that enrich our cultural landscape. Contemporary artists such as Susana Baca, who mixes jazz, and R&B with Afro-Peruvian music, have even won a Latin Grammy award.
Contemporary Peruvian music band, Nova Lima is also gaining attention abroad for their rhythm and lyrics.
Dance
Festejo
The Festejo is a vibrant Afro-Peruvian dance that began in colonial Lima. Over time, it evolved into a playful courtship dance, featuring lively and flirty movements. The music that accompanies it includes guitar, cajón, a donkey jawbone, and clapping. Popular styles include Alcatraz and Inga, and the rhythms reflect the rich Congolese and Bantu influences from the time of slavery.
Landó
This dance originated in Cañete and Chincha in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It features an upbeat rhythm from the cajón and Creole guitar. Traditionally, women dance barefoot, mimicking daily tasks like washing clothes. In the 1960s, it gained great popularity, especially with the song “Samba Malató” performed by Santa Cruz’s group, Cumanana.
Zapateo
The Zapateo is an exciting dance that showcases the performers’ skills to the lively beats of the cajón and Creole guitar. It has its roots in African dance and emphasizes talent and precision. Vicente Vásquez documented this dance, building on the valuable research of his father, Porfirio.
Afro-Peruvian culture is unique and has a rich history that deserves our attention and appreciation. Its music, dance, food, and other aspects are vital to our national identity, enriching the colorful cultural fabric of our country.
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