MUSICA CRIOLLA

Msica criolla or cancin criolla is a varied genre of Peruvian music that

exhibits influences from African, European, and Andean music. The genre's
name reflects the coastal culture of Peru, and the local evolution of the
term criollo into a more socially inclusive element of the nation.
Afro-Peruvian music was first created by African slaves in Peru during the
Colonial Period and beyond. The rhythms include Festejo, Land,
Socabon, Pregon, Zamacueca, and Alcatraz. Many of those were played with a
mixture of Spanish and Indian instruments and used the Spanish coplas as
lyrics. They were practiced only in private black gatherings until the 1950s,
when efforts of some scholars studying the Peruvian community, such
as Nicomedes Santa Cruz, Victoria Santa Cruz and Jose Durand, compiled
songs and dances after struggling with racism and poor recognition. Interpreters
such as Lucila Campos, Caitro Soto, Susana Baca, Eva Ayllon, and the Peru
Negro dance company, among others, have brought these genres to the world's
attention.
The most popular genre of msica criolla in Per is the marinera, often called
the national dance of Per. Other main genres are Peruvian
vals and tondero, festejo, polka,zamacueca, coplas de amor fino, and land.
Peru's national Da de la Cancin Criolla takes place on October 31.