Illapu

Machu Picchu is on my Bucket list

For more years than I can remember, I have loved everything to do with the Andes. The land, the ancient Incan ruins, the people and their culture, and most especially their music. Something happens to my very soul when I listen to this music. One band in particular I have followed for many years. They call themselves Illapu.

A little background info:

Illapu (pronounced ee-YAH-poo), are a Chilean folk and Andean musical ensemble that was formed in 1971, in Northern Chile. Illapu comes from the Quechua word meaning "Lightning Bolt". Their music was Andean folk. In 1981, because of the repression under the Pinochet regime, they were forced into exile - going first to France and later Mexico City. In 1988, due to the improved political climate, they returned to Chile. Their 1993 album (En Estos Días), which contained the hit single "Lejos del Amor", won 7 platinum records. Their novel musical approach and aesthetics on stage gained them the recognition from music critics and praise from the general public.

Here is one of my favourite instrumentals.

Atacameños:

The Atacameños (also called Atacamas or Likan-antay) are a Native American people who inhabited the Andean portion of the Atacama Desert, mainly in what is today Chile's Antofagasta Region. Their language is known as Kunza.