The Conquerors of Salsa turn 25: New challenge with “I see you Fururú Farará”, what do you think of Yahaira Plasencia and more

Salsa in Peru is enjoyed in different ways, but for The Conquerors of Salsa the formula is innovation. Robert Armas, director and founder of the orchestra, was enthusiastic when celebrating the 25th anniversary of the group and also because PromPerú extended the “Marca Perú” license, because in their shows abroad they always highlight Peruvian culture and its musical influence.

In an interview with El Comercio, Robert Armas spoke about the celebration of the 25 years of the salsa group, his arrival in Peru and the great reception of “his house”. In addition, he reflected on the validity of the genre at an international level and the great success that the group gained thanks to its flagship song “I see you Fururu Farara”.

─The Conquerors of Salsa celebrate their 25th anniversary and are preparing a special celebration. How do you feel celebrating your silver anniversary?

There are no words to describe it, 25 years are not fulfilled every day. Peru became our homewe arrived in the year 97 and this is where they give us the opportunity to become an international group, it is this country where they open the doors to make us known. That is why I, as a Cuban-Peruvian, feel proud and grateful.

─Your license was renewed to continue being ‘Marca Peru’, what does it mean to you?

It is an honor and responsibility, for the third time they allow us to be and every time we present ourselves in any country we are showing part of Peru, we identify a lot. We always carry the Peruvian flag high, we show something in each show that has to do with the country. We always have to wear the music badge at some point, whether it’s with a cajon, an Afro-Peruvian dance, but we’re proud to do it.

─How difficult has it been to maintain musical validity over 25 years?

The secret has always been to innovate, you have to go with what you live at the momentSocial media is everything. We have to be at the forefront, that has made Los Conquistadores de la Salsa always up-to-date. We cannot focus on the success of the past, we have to merge and innovate.

─“I see you Fururú Farará”, has been valid for several years, did you expect it to have so much punch?

There are definitely themes that remain for life. “I see you Fururú Farará”, is the flagship theme of Los Conquistadores de la Salsa, it is a song that was ahead of its time because it is a musically well-done theme, but at the same time it is a topic that speaks of the day to day, of the everyday. For the 25th birthday, we are going to do a special with this theme and we are going to do it with Combinación de La Habana and Charanga Habanera, it is going to be something super cool.

─Upon your arrival in Peru, the country was always influenced by sensual salsa with Rubén Blades and Gilberto Santa Rosa, but you came to hit hard with timba, with the Cuban rhythm, how did you experience it?

First we had to locate ourselves on what was happening in Peru at that time, when we arrived in 1997 traditional salsa, romantic salsa was heard and we arrived with a totally different style, that opened the doors for people to pay attention to us. We were a novelty, something totally different with a great staging, colorful, with choreography. It cost us, but it was worth it because it was a success.

─What do you think of the new exponents of Peruvian salsa such as Yahaira Plasencia, Daniela Darcourt, Kate Candela?

Great! My respect and admiration for all those who are betting and throw themselves with the sauce. Having new exponents helps make the market more versatile. I don’t believe in competition, my competition is my audience.

─Just like salsa at the time, the urban has been involved in criticism, what is your opinion of the new musical trends?

You can write the best song, worry about the prose, the quatrain and Bad Bunny arrives to say: ‘I like the gum on the corner’ and everyone follows him. That works and we can’t say it’s badly done, if it works and people consume it it’s fine, we can’t go against it. The public in the end decides what they like best.

─You recently released the album “Dance it now”, what other projects do you have in mind?

we just did a feat with La Charanga Habanera, a timbatón and we are always open to making feats and being at the forefront of musical fashion. We have also worked with La Caro Van, Maikel Blanco and we continue to do many things. It’s more, This Sunday the 6th we are celebrating 25 years of Los Conquistadores de la Salsa at the Banana nightclub in San Juan de Lurigancho and we will celebrate it in a big way.

Also

Los Conquistadores de la Salsa will perform at the Banana nightclub in San Juan de Lurigancho this Sunday, November 6.