Los Kjarkas in London

Los Kjarkas are a Bolivian Andean folk group formed in Capinota, Cochabamba, in 1965. Their repertoire pairs vocal harmonies with traditional Andean instruments, and includes songs such as “Wayayay” and “Llorando se fue,” whose melody was later adapted for Kaoma’s “Lambada.” In 1984, Los Kjarkas performed “Florcita azul” at Yamaha’s World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo. They later returned to Japan for further concert tours and also performed across Latin America, Europe and the United States. Their concerts feature ensemble singing, guitars, charango, quena, zampoña and bombo. Founding member Gonzalo Hermosa sings and plays guitar in the ensemble.