Illapu

by Drago Bonacich
Chilean folk group Illapu was formed in 1971 by brothers Andrés, José Miguel, Jaime, and Roberto Márquez Bugueño. The traditional number started touring all over Chile after Osvaldo Torres joined in, making their debut with Illapu, Música Andina in 1972. Playing a music style known as folklore andino, Illapu (an aboriginal word which means flash of lightning), successfully participated in Viña del Mar festival in February of 1973, and later performed at Bolivian and Argentinean venues. They put together an interesting play, called El Grito de la Raza, combining music, acting and dance. 1976's Despedida del Pueblo featured classic folk song "Candombe Para José," becoming one of the band's anthems. When the group returned from a European tour in 1980, Illapu was accused of raising support against the Chilean government and sent into exile, returning a decade later after living in France and Mexico. 1993's En Estos Dias, featuring the hit single "Lejos del Amor," achieved seven platinum records.