By Phil Reser
For thirty years Afro-Peruvian singer Eva Ayllón has been selling out theaters not only at home in Peru - where she can fill a stadium of 30,000 - but here in North America as well. Her first-ever USA-produced release, "Eva! Leyenda Peruana," by New York based Times Square Records, has brought this legendary vocalist to many Americans.
While establishing herself as a pop and urban folklore singer, Ayllón sang with a number of popular Peruvian groups, defining her, as one of the leading exponents of "musica criolla," a music, heavily influenced by African slaves transported to Peruvian shores hundreds of years ago. Within the styles of "musica criolla," the most popular, is the "marinera" - Peru’s national dance, played typically on guitar and cajón and rooted in the Cueca of Chile and Bolivia.
By 1979, she began touring internationally, with appearances in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Japan. In 1989 she formed, Los Hijos del Sol, together with Alex Acuña. The group was made up of an all-star cast of Peruvian musicians, with the purpose of refreshing and promoting Peruvian music through performance and recordings. In addition to "Musica Criolla," Ayllon frequently sings Afro-Peruvian landos and festejos and was featured on David Byrne’s 1994, Luaka Bop CD compilation, "The Soul of Black Peru."
She recently married a Peruvian-American and is has moved to his home in the New York area planning to a music academy where she will teach Peruvian music and dance while continuing her successful singing career.
She recently talked with ‘LA’Ritmo.com about her music and career.
[Reser] What inspired you to become a singer and specialize in black Peruvian music?
[Ayllón] Singing isn’t an inspiration, it’s a gift from God and with the years it can be perfected. Singing can’t be taught. I was inspired to the black music of Peru because I am a black women and I love my roots. I think and am sure that this music is fascinating.
[Reser] What is the difference between the African influenced music and other Peruvian sounds that have developed in your country?
[Ayllón] This African influenced music for me is like the mother of all rhythms, from there all the other are derived.
[Reser] You are known in the music world as one of the leading exponents of the "musica criolla" or creole music. Could you explain that music for people that are not familiar with it?
[Ayllón] Creole Music is danced in the cities; it comes from the Viennese Waltz. It was converted to Creole when they started playing with acoustic guitar and percussion, like the Cajon. It’s still danced in the city and it’s for all social classes.
[Reser] Within your body of musical work, what would you say is the mix that you create between the traditional and the contemporary song?
[Ayllón] I was raised with both sounds. For our music to be a bit more structured, we added some modern sounds, but without losing any of the music’s essence.
[Reser] What do you try to accomplish with both your compositions and your lyrics?
[Ayllón] To bring into prominence, my Peruvian cultural and music.
[Reser] You have recently began concentrating on exposing America to your music, whey this move and how does it fit into your goals?
[Ayllón] This wasn’t planned or premeditated. After 34 years of a career in my country, the world wants to know me and I’m here to demonstrate the best some of the music from my country, Peru.
[Reser] Do you feel as though you will eventually be able to gain strong interest in your music from the African American community in the United States?
[Ayllón] But of course…
[Reser] Do you see language as any barrio with non-Spanish speaking audiences?
[Ayllón] Not at all, music doesn’t have a language. It’s a miracle.
[Reser] What are you particularly proud of about your latest CD?
[Ayllón] I’ve given a lot of my essence to this production. I hope to have the opportunity to demonstrate a lot of these songs in person.
[Reser] What is the greatest satisfaction you hve experienced from your performing and recording career?
[Ayllón] To be recognized as one of the best in my land, everything else is secondary.
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