Peru Negro

by Drago Bonacich Afro-Peruvian ensemble Perú Negro was formed by Ronaldo Campos de la Colina to preserve black Peruvian heritage. The group achieved a reputation for rescuing traditional music and dances and received international recognition after David Byrnes Luaka Bop released a compilation called Afro-Peruvian classics: The Soul of Black Peru, featuring songs by Perú Negro, Susana Baca, Lucila Campos, and local star Chabuca Granda, among other prominent artists. In 1999, European label World Connection issued Sangre De Un Don, released in the U.S. in 2001. That same year, the bands founder passed away after a heart failure.