Eva Ayllón, born María Angélica Ayllón Urbina on February 7, 1956, in Lima, Peru, is one of the most famous and influential singers of Afro-Peruvian music. Known for her powerful and emotive voice, Eva Ayllón has played a crucial role in promoting Afro-Peruvian musical genres such as festejo and landó, not only in Peru but around the world. She is often referred to as "The Queen of Afro-Peruvian Music" for her immense cultural impact.
Eva Ayllón grew up in a working-class neighborhood of Lima, where she was surrounded by the sounds of criollo and Afro-Peruvian music from an early age. Her grandmother, who played an important role in her life, introduced her to traditional Peruvian music. By the age of three, Eva was already singing at neighborhood gatherings, and by the time she was 15, she was performing on stage with local bands.
In the 1970s, she joined several criollo music groups, performing waltzes, marineras, and huaynos. However, it was in Afro-Peruvian rhythms that she truly found her voice. At a time when these musical genres were still largely unknown, even in their country of origin, Eva Ayllón helped revive and popularize them as an integral part of Peru's cultural identity.
In the 1980s, Eva Ayllón's career took a decisive turn. She began performing abroad, particularly in the United States and Europe, where she met with enthusiastic audiences. Her captivating performances and her ability to convey deep emotions through her voice earned her critical acclaim. During this period, she recorded several albums that propelled her to international stardom.
Among her most famous songs are Mal paso, Ritmo, color y sabor, and Huascarán, which have become classics of the Afro-Peruvian repertoire. Thanks to her passionate performances, Eva Ayllón helped spread Afro-Peruvian music beyond Peru's borders.
Throughout her career, Eva Ayllón has been dedicated to promoting and preserving Afro-Peruvian culture. She has consistently emphasized the importance of African heritage in Peruvian culture and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the contributions of Afro-Peruvians are recognized and celebrated.
In addition to her musical career, Eva Ayllón has been involved in educational and social initiatives aimed at supporting young talents from the Afro-Peruvian community. She has conducted music workshops and encouraged many young artists to embrace their culture and continue the musical traditions of their ancestors.
Despite her international success, Eva Ayllón has never stopped evolving as an artist. She has experimented with different musical genres, occasionally incorporating elements of jazz and classical music into her interpretations of traditional songs. This musical openness has allowed her to reach a wider audience and remain relevant in a constantly changing music industry.
Among her most notable collaborations are those with artists like Susana Baca, another great figure of Afro-Peruvian music, and internationally renowned musicians such as Plácido Domingo and Juan Diego Flórez. These collaborations have allowed Eva Ayllón to push the boundaries of traditional music while staying true to her roots.
Today, Eva Ayllón is widely recognized as one of the greatest ambassadors of Peruvian music. Her work has played a vital role in the rediscovery and revitalization of Afro-Peruvian music, and she continues to influence new generations of musicians, both in Peru and abroad.
In 2019, she received the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition of her incredible contribution to music. This award is a tribute to her prolific career and her dedication to promoting Afro-Peruvian culture.
Eva Ayllón continues to perform on stages around the world, enchanting audiences with her vibrant performances and her love for the traditional music of her country. Her name will forever be associated with the revival and expansion of Afro-Peruvian music, and she remains a true cultural icon not only for Peru but for all of Latin America.