Perú Negra – Black Peru

May 19, 2006

Afro-Peruvians contribute significantly to the culture of Peru, particularly in music.

Afro-Peruvians make up about 6% of the population and although settled throughout the country along with the spanish conquistadors, can be found mainly along the costal region.

Musica Negra/Musica Criolla
A fusion of West African and Spanish sounds, this music was played on any instruments that were available – which lead to the use of the simply constructed instrument, the Cajón.

El Cajón
Simply – a box. African slaves had no other means of obtaining musical instruments, such as drums, that formed the basis of their music. So instead of drums, they used old empty wooden boxes. These had resonance similar to drums.

If you’d like to find out more about black music from Peru visit the website of Peru Negra, a troupe that was formed to preserve the music and culture of Afro-Peruvians.

If you’d like to find out more about the Cajón, and integral part of Black Peruvian music visit this site about it.

To have a listen, visit www.CajonPeru.com !

Photos:
- © Peru Negro
- © Gilmar Lopez