Illapu

Story

Illapu comes from the Quechua word meaning "Lightning Bolt". Their music was Andean folk.

Illapu was formed in 1971 in the northern Chilean town of Antofagasta. That same year they performed in the “Festival del Salitre”/Saltpeter Festival in María Elena (a mining precinct) and won the festival's prize after performing Quilapayún's “La Muralla”. They were sharply criticized by the organiser of the musical event, Patricio Manns, for interpreting someone else's composition. That same year Pato Valdivia joined the ensemble. In 1972 they moved to Santiago de Chile seeking more performance and recording opportunities. They recorded their first album “Música Andina”/Andean Music for the DICAP label. Shortly afterwards they won the prize at the “Norte Andino Festival”/Andean North Festival in Calama interpreting a song composed by the songwriter, Nano Acevedo, “Dale Mañungo”.

In 1973 they performed for the first time at the prestigious "Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar" music festival. Their novel musical approach and aesthetics on stage gained them the recognition from music critics and praise from the general public. At this stage they began to be considered a new element in the “Nueva Canción Chilena”/New Chilean Song movement. The resources allocated to the arts and culture under the Popular Unity government of Salvador Allende also allowed Illapu to fully develop their artistic potential.

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.

Discography