Trujillo, Perú 1971-1974

Collection of the musical heritage of guitarist Bernardo "Mansanita" Hernandez, a legend of Peruvian cumbia. Bernardo was born in Laredo, a small town 800 kilometers north of Lima. Since the 16th century, the heritage of indigenous peoples has mixed with the culture of Castilians, Andalusians, Jews, and later African immigrants. Absorbing all these influences, Bernardo moved to the capital at the age of 12 in 1955. The beginning of his career coincided with the popularity of Western psychedelic music, but after the rise to power of Juan Velasco in 1968, rock was banned in favor of local traditional styles. At that time, the recently emerged Peruvian cumbia was flourishing. The sound of this style owes much to Cuban guaracha, but psychedelic rock and electric guitars did not pass it by. As a result, a unique Peruvian style was formed, and "Mansanita" became one of its leading representatives.

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