Toro Mata
Encyclopedia
"Toro Mata" is one of the most famous folk songs in Peru
, which has been recorded and developed by many different musical artists throughout its history. Toro Mata is a type of Peruvian music initially developed by black slaves in Cañete
and Chincha
.
musical styles (this song is classified as a landó
), and over the years, has become a popular anthem for Peru. A dance of "Toro Mata" also developed, which mocks and parodies the stylized waltz
es of European Conquistadores. This politically-charged song and dance developed as a reaction to the conquest of Peru by Spain
. By the beginning of the 20th century, "Toro Mata" was fading from popularity, but it has again become popular due the revival of musica criolla
starting in the 1950's.
One of the most famous versions of "Toro Mata" was performed by Carlos Soto de la Colina (also known as Caitro Soto
) in 1973. "Toro Mata" has also been performed by Peruvian musicians Susana Baca
, Eva Ayllon
, Peru Negro
and Lucila Campos. There are many different versions of "Toro Mata" within Peru, with slight differences in content, though all center on a deadly bull. The song has gained popularity outside of Peru, with Cuba
n artist Celia Cruz
recording a salsa
version of the song.
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
, which has been recorded and developed by many different musical artists throughout its history. Toro Mata is a type of Peruvian music initially developed by black slaves in Cañete
Cañete Province
Cañete is a province located in southern Lima Region, Peru. It is bordered by the Lima Province on the north, the Ica Region on the south, the Huarochirí and Yauyos provinces on the east, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Its capital is the town of San Vicente de Cañete District...
and Chincha
Chincha Province
The Chincha Province is one of five provinces of the Ica Region of Peru. The capital of the province is the city of Chincha Alta.-Boundaries:*North: Lima Region*East: Huancavelica Region*South: Pisco Province*West: Pacific Ocean...
.
History
"Toro Mata" is a song influenced by Afro-PeruvianAfro-Peruvian
Afro Peruvians are citizens of Peru mostly descended from African slaves who were brought to the Western hemisphere with the arrival of the conquistadors towards the end of the slave trade.-Early history:...
musical styles (this song is classified as a landó
Landó (music)
Landó is an Afro-Peruvian form of music in the musica criolla genre. Its unique sound had been likened to the American blues genre.-Influences:...
), and over the years, has become a popular anthem for Peru. A dance of "Toro Mata" also developed, which mocks and parodies the stylized waltz
Waltz
The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...
es of European Conquistadores. This politically-charged song and dance developed as a reaction to the conquest of Peru by Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
. By the beginning of the 20th century, "Toro Mata" was fading from popularity, but it has again become popular due the revival of musica criolla
Música criolla
Música criolla is a category of Peruvian music that combines mainly African, Spanish and Andean influences. Afro-Peruvian music was first created by African slaves in Peru during the Colonial Period and beyond. The rhythms include Festejo, Landó, Socabon, Pregon, Zamacueca, and Alcatraz...
starting in the 1950's.
One of the most famous versions of "Toro Mata" was performed by Carlos Soto de la Colina (also known as Caitro Soto
Caitro Soto
Pedro Carlos Soto de la Colina, popularly known as Caitro Soto was an Afro-Peruvian musician and composer...
) in 1973. "Toro Mata" has also been performed by Peruvian musicians Susana Baca
Susana Baca
Susana Esther Baca de la Colina is a prominent Peruvian singer-songwriter; two-times Latin Grammy Award winner. She has been a key figure in the revival of Afro-Peruvian music within Peru....
, Eva Ayllon
Eva Ayllón
Eva Ayllón , a composer and singer, is one of Peru's foremost Afro-Peruvian musicians, and one of the country's most enduring stars.-Biography:...
, Peru Negro
Perú Negro
Perú Negro is an Afro-Peruvian musical ensemble founded in 1969 to celebrate and preserve Peru's black culture and música criolla. Ronaldo Campos de la Colina founded the Lima-based group with 12 family members...
and Lucila Campos. There are many different versions of "Toro Mata" within Peru, with slight differences in content, though all center on a deadly bull. The song has gained popularity outside of Peru, with Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
n artist Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz was a Cuban-American salsa singer, and was one of the most successful Salsa performers of the 20th century, having earned twenty-three gold albums...
recording a salsa
Salsa music
Salsa music is a genre of music, generally defined as a modern style of playing Cuban Son, Son Montuno, and Guaracha with touches from other genres of music...
version of the song.