Donnie Yaipén leaves Hermanos Yaipén: How much did he earn on his first tour at age 11? Will he sing with Christian Yaipén? and more

As well as a performer and composer, Donnie is a music producer and arranger. He imposed his style in songs like “Tributo a Lisandro Meza” and “Mix macho”. Away from the group that promoted his musical beginnings, he is preparing a new production with his own label.

─What motivated you to leave Hermanos Yaipén after two decades?

I needed to do something new that would really strengthen me. I dream of undertaking, growing as a person and professional. And without a doubt, my greatest motivation was my family: my children, my wife, my mother. I want to give them everything they deserve.

─I imagine it was a decision that had been thought out for a long time. When do you formalize it?

When I understood that in the orchestra I was never going to be able to make decisions because there were several partners. I was frustrated. This was three months ago, in Piura. I think the heat suffocated me (Laughter).

─Have you thought about the possibility that the public will not accept your proposal as a soloist?

There is always the fear of public rejection and now more with the existence of social networks. I know it won’t be easy, but I believe that with dedication and effort I will succeed.

─ How did your dad receive the news?

He became very sad; but it didn’t affect her much because we had already discussed it. Imagine, they spent two decades working together. I have been on stage with Hermanos Yaipén since I was seven years old. After playing and singing I fell asleep under the stage, next to the piano boxes.

─What songs did you play at that age?

“El baile de la culebra”, which was fashionable at that time, and “El baile del gorilla”, which Melody sang. Since my voice hadn’t changed yet, she had a high register.

─With what musical proposals will you start this new stage?

I want to make a slightly more danceable cumbia, make mixes that allow me to open up new markets and reach more people. I like to create, combine styles, make different arrangements, fusions, feats.

─Is it in your plans to do a feat with your cousin Christian Yaipén?

It’s what everyone asks for (Laughter). The idea is there, we should meet to talk. We are first cousins, we have grown up together. Our families are very close, there is a great affection between us. My mom is her mom’s sister, and my dad is her dad’s brother. That’s why we have the same last names.

─After you left Hermanos Yaipén, Moisés Vega joined as the main voice of the group. Do you think he was the best option?

I understand that they have changed the entire front. In addition to him, I also think that José Antonio Orejuela and another one returned.

─Moses entered in your place?

That’s what the media put out, but I’m not sure it’s like that, because their style and repertoire is different from mine. He sings another type of music.

─When do you release your new album?

I only need one song to finish my entire production that will have 10 songs. It will be out in July.

─As a prelude, you shared on your YouTube channel, “Peruana de los ojos chinos”, a song by Lisandro Meza covered in cumbia.

The original song is “Peruana de los ojos grandes”, but since my wife is Chinese, I changed the name. Logically, to record it, I asked the maestro Lisandro Meza for permission. Luckily we have a good relationship with him and with the entire Meza family in Colombia. They are very dear friends, beautiful people. We uploaded it to YouTube 10 days ago and it already has more than 27 thousand views. I also uploaded the song “Lovers” and, soon, I will premiere “False Promises”, an unpublished song, with my composition and arrangements.

deficiencies

As a child, long before he became closely involved with music, Donnie Yaipén worked selling artisanal butter that his paternal grandmother made. He lived with her for a while, when her mother emigrated abroad in search of job opportunities.

“My childhood was a bit complicated. I was nine years old when my mom traveled. It was around the time my uncle Elmer passed away and my dad left Grupo 5. I practically stayed looking after Marcelo, my younger brother. As our economic situation became complicated, I worked for the school expenses. My grandmother taught me the value of money. She gave me 10 soles to invest in butter. She helped me prepare it, then I sold it. I invested the earnings and little by little my money grew. I also sold fruit and worked in an uncle’s shipyard (in the San José cove where the boats are made).”, recalls the national artist.

─When did you start singing professionally?

Since I liked music, I was always behind my dad at the performances, enjoying myself, sharing the stage. But the first paid tour was when I was eleven years old. We went to the jungle, to Rioja, Nueva Cajamarca, Bagua Grande. In total there were five dates. We traveled in two vans. It was a wonderful experience. Actually I went for a walk, but since the percussionist was absent, they put me in his place. At first it was hard for me to adapt, but after three songs, I was just another musician.

─How much did they pay you that time?

It was a tip. They gave me 10 soles (Laughter). My dad and my uncle Walter always taught me the value of money.

─What do you think of singing programs like “La Voz”? Would you like to be a coach in any edition?

I competed in the first season (2013), when ‘El Puma’, Kalimba, Eva Ayllón and Jerry Rivera were there. He was 20 years old. I queued up for the casting, I met a lot of people, tremendous musicians, beautiful people. I also met people from the production. It was a nice experience, although I was nervous. Supposedly, he arrived as a canchero, but when I stepped on stage I was short of breath, my heart was pounding. I got to the stage of the battles. And of course I would like to be a coach, to encourage those who are starting out in music, I think some experience of mine could help them.

─After the success of the three great concerts for the 50th anniversary of Grupo 5, there are those who say that cumbia is regaining validity. What do you think?

In the provinces, cumbia is always in force. Suddenly in Lima, no. What has changed is the type of production, now it is on another level. Work with audiovisual, led screens and lights. Whenever he saw that in other countries, he asks me when it will arrive in Peru. At last it came. You have to give the public what it deserves because without them, artists are nothing.

─When will be your official presentation as a solo singer?

In May, before releasing the album. There is still no specific date. I am in conversations with singer friends of various genres. It will be with Peruvian guest artists and a friend from abroad.

─Will the Yaipén Brothers be there?

I hope so (smiles).

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