Arturo “Zambo” Cavero (1940-2009)
October 9, 2009 Culture & History, News
One of Peru’s greats, the embodiment of Peruvianism and the creole culture of Peru’s coastal regions, passed away today as a result of poor general health. The loss of this one man that became a symbol of Peruvian identity will be felt deeply across Peru and especially on the coast, but also across Latin American and the world. His inimitable voice captivated his listeners in a way that few other artists have ever been able to do, somehow making every word his sang sound unmistakeably and unequivocally PERUANO.
Arturo Cavero Velázques was born in the city of Lima in 1940, quite a different city from the one that exists today. It was an old city, a traditional city, a city of the creoles – the descendants of the Spanish and ex-slaves.
“I was born in the Avenida Abancay, on the 11th block, in a quinta, in a little alley that is very well known as the La Banerita Blanca, from which many figures of sport and musica criolla have originated. As well as being the heart of Lima it was also the very edge of Lima, right there was the end of the city. My father was from Huaral and my mother from Cañete. Then, a few blocks down, lived Felipe Pinglo (one of Peru’s greatest song writers)”, the Zambo would tell in every interview he gave.
Afro-Peruvians are considered, as goes the stereotype, to be blessed at either music, sport or food. Arturo “el Zambo” had been gifted with two things, a stunning voice and feel for delivering lyrics, and it seems a great love of food, particularly comida criolla.
But to suggest this is the only thing his was capable of would be very wrong. As well spending time at the Felipe Pinglo music centre, he later graduated as a teacher with a specialisation in Educational Administration and completed further studies in Learning Disabilities at the San Marcos University. He has more qualifications from the Federico Villarreal University after completing his thesis entitled “Folklore and Education”. He recently published a book on the subject.
His achievements as one of the greatest singers of musica criolla however, will be how is he best remembered.
El Zambo Cavero’s unique voice brought to life the works of composer Augusto Polo Campos, Peruvian lyrics about Peru with an unmistakable Peruvian style. As an Afro-Peruvian, he solidified the blend of musica criolla with musica negra, as had been happening in all aspects of the coastal culture, with his constant use of the most Afro-Peruvian of instruments, the cajón.
Dearly loved by all Peruvians he became the embodiment of the nation, and his fame and popularity spread to all corners of Latin America. On the 3rd of June 1987 he was awarded and recognised, along with other Peruvian artists who had brought so much joy to so many people, by the Organisation of American States in Washington D.C.
Peruvians aren’t great at taking care of their health, and you only need to have a quick taste of some of the country’s most popular dishes to understand why. Ageing Arturo Cavero was no different, and at 68 years old, morbidly obese and suffering from diabetes, he was admitted to hospital recently suffering from various complications.
The media announced his condition was grave, and the nation began to worry, but also knew what the outcome was going to be. President Alan García, as many a Peruvian wished they could, rushed to the hospital to visit El Zambo just when doctors were beginning to announce there was not much they could do.
“Lord of the Miracles, take care of Cavero, you are waiting, but you know that down on earth, the entire Peruvian nation is on their feet, hoping he won’t leave us. Let’s pray for Arturo Cavero Velázquez, if he goes, let he keep singing to us ‘Contigo Perú‘ (one of his most popular songs) from the heavens”, said one attendee at the recent Lord of the Miracles religious procession in Lima.
Dear friend of El Zambo, Augusto Polo Campos, told Peru’s El Comercio newspaper that he could only hope he pulls through. “We’ve come from the hospital and can tell you about the health of our brother. The doctor said Arturo is alive if only for his people, using all his strength to live and has not left us, it’s a miracle”, he said yesterday.
But today at midday, the great promoter of la canción criolla left this world, leaving behind an incredible musical legacy and a hole in the hearts of many a Peruvian.
Arturo Cavero Velázquez – 1940 to 2009
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Comments (20)
This is so sad. QDEP RIP
Se fue uno de los mas grandes cantantes de Musica Criolla naci escuchando sus canciones y me enamore de ellas ahora estara haciendo la jarana en el cielo Gracias Zambo Cavero por todas las alegrias.
El Zambo Cavero estara cantando junto con Lucha Reyes e cielo.
El llanto no es signo de debilidad, llorarte no es malo pero lo mas importarte NO olvidarte maestro es lo MEJOR ¡DESCANSA EN PAZ!
Manuel Aroni Dallas,TEXAS
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I will never forget him.
Descansa en paz …mis condolencias a la familia, y a todos los peruanos….dios lo cuide en sus sabanas del cielo.Q.E.P.D.
Criollo de pura sepa, el Peru y el mundo estan de luto, se nos ha ido un icono en nuestra tan rica y diversa musica con su matices de nuestras razas. Estaremos festejando tu partida con una buena jarana de rompe y raja, como solia decir nuestro Zambo que viva el Peru carajo!!! y arriba Alianza. Que Dios te tenga en su gloria, descansa en paz mi hermano.
Se fue un grande del criollismo con lagrimas en los ojos y el orgullo de que haya nacido en el peru …. espero que este 31 dia de la cancion criolla en todas las peñas se honre a este gran hombre con un minuto de silencio y sea homenajeado por el inmeso amor que le tuvo al pais .. GRACIAS ZAMBO SIEMPRE ESTARAS EN MI CORAZON
ADIOS, el fue un gran idolo, me da mucha pena que se haya ido, el y su musica siempre seran recordados!! se llama peru!!
Es una gran pena haber perdido a Arturo “Zambo” Cavero, ahora solo nos quedan hermosos recuerdos de su voz, sus composiciones y esta en nosotros pepetuar su recuerdo, que las nuevas generaciones sepan quien creo y canto Y SE LLAMA PERÚ!!!!
me hizo mucho dano tu partida porque hace 10 anos que sali de peru y my madre me dedico una de tus canciones…… y el tiempo que te quede libre si te es posible ddicalo a miiiiiiiiiii SIEMPRE TE RECORDARE NGRO LINDO ……
Ahora, Chabuca, Caitro, don Amador, Luchita y José Abelardo T. Nuñez ya tienen una voz que los acompañe en el cielo. Arturo Cavero Velásquez, el “Zambo” para los amigos, sus seguidores y todo el país dejó de existir.
My parents moved to New York before I was born, but I grew up listening to Peruvian music. To be honest, El Zambo is the only voice I really remember because it is just so distinctive. It is very sad that he is gone. Luckily for my parents, who have also both passed away, they will now have first row seats and his live concerts in heaven.
El maestro y amigo Arturo Zambo Cavero no ha muerto, ni aquí en la tierra ni en ninguna parte, porque se muere cuando se olvidan de uno, y de él nadie se olvidará, porque por lo que hizo e interpretó siempre lo estaremos escuchando y como consecuencia de ello nunca se le epodrá olvidar, y si en algún momento las lágrimas afloran, no son de pena sino de alegría, por cuanto se adelántó al momento que estaremos viviendo.
Quien no le dice un padre a un hijo que se va, por diferentes circunstancias “el tiempo que te quede libre dedícalo a mi” esperando alguna noticia placentera, o a un ser querido “poco encuentras en el mundo, que te exija tu cariño tan farsante pero te perdonaré” o cuando estamos en el entranjero y escuchamos “que sigo viviendo contigo Perú y se nos pone la carne de gallina y nos acordamos de todos nuestras seres queridos. No señor Arturo Zambo Cavero no ha muerto.
Nunca olvidare la primera vez que lo conoci en persona, en el rest. Bavaria de miraflores, el fue amigo de mi cuñado Luis Velarde. Nunca seras olvidado especialmente los que vivimos lejos de Peru, te saludaremos cada vez que escuchemos “Contigo Peru” Que Dios os brinde un descanso en paz.
Con respeto a los que se quedan, se fue el mejor. Maestro nunca nos olvidaremos de usted. Su voz incomparable y ese patriotismo que brotaba de su alma al cantar “Contigo Peru”, eso es algo que nadie podra igualar. Descanse en paz MAESTRO Cavero.
RIP, angel voice!!!….You will be missed, but your music and lyrics will live on!!!
From: Toronto, Canada
Arturo, rest in peace. You touched many hearts and souls. Thank you for sharing your magnificent gift with so many, including me. It was magical watching you singing at El Sachun. God bless you and I hope you’re up their singing with all the greats including Yma Sumac. I can’t wait to go back to Lima again and hear your music being played in the streets. I’ve been there 14 times and just can’t stop my heart’s desire to go back each year. Much Carino- Jason and family.
Viva la musica de Arturo y Viva Peru Carajo! jason and family.