Agua Bella turns 25: the important role Agua Marina played in the group, what was her best voice and more

In mid-1999, businessman José Castillo, then manager and producer of Euforia de Iquitos, created one of the most successful female cumbia groups in our country. And as a great admirer of Marine Water and feminine beauty, he added Agua Bella to his creation, which, upon turning 25, looks renewed, with new members and ambitious projects.

“My wife (Junay Amasifuén) and I recruited the first two singers from a group called Sexteto Internacional: Evelyn Campos and Yolanda Medina. At that time, there were female groups in Lima, such as Candela and Son Caliente, but not in the provinces. Ours was the first and the most successful because we crossed borders”says Castillo.

This first vocal duo recorded the popular songs “Imposible Olvidarte”, “I deserve a new love” and “Lucerito”. A year later, with the performances of two new vocalists: Marina Yafac and Maricarmen Marín, the first CD arrived, “Cariño loco”, which obtained the first Gold Record for the band.

“Before the recording of the second CD, “There is only one!”, Alhely Cheng, as a singer, and two dancers were signed: Cynthia Macedo and Nancy Castelo. Giuliana Rengifo, Katy Jara, Rosita Salazar and the salseras, Cielo Torres and Gaby Zambrano were also part of the group. We currently have three singers and two dancers, ranging from 17 to 23 years old.”, clarifies the music producer.

Managing a female group of young people with great aspirations and egos, and different customs, was a difficult task for their leader. Castillo explains that his wife was a fundamental piece in this process, especially during the long national and international tours.

“Discipline was important to me and it still is, that’s why my wife and son travel with them. Agua Bella became a family group. Now my whole family participates. My children are in charge of the changing rooms and logistics”, he details.

New generation

The current members of Agua Bella are: Grecia Cadillo, Angélica María Games, Isabel Manrique, Dina Choqque, Alejandra Saavedra and Sandy Rojas.

Castillo explains that to be part of her group, you need to have a good voice and great ability to transmit, but not an exuberant figure, as other female groups contemplate.

“We want each song to be performed with feeling so that it reaches the public. The physical issue, that of plastic surgeries, is not essential because it is a group that sells music. People cry, they get emotional with our songs.”, he clarifies.

With more than 20 productions and a pre-nomination for the Latin Grammy for her Tribute to Peruvian Cumbia, Agua Bella has Evelyn Campos as its member with the most hits recorded with her voice (9 albums).

Who was your best vocalist? Castillo recognizes the talent of Marina Yafac and Evelyn Campos. “They were very good voices. And I cannot fail to mention that the most successful Agua Bella is Maricarmen Marín. Her success is worth applauding.”, he highlights.

anniversary celebration

In 2022 it was organized The reunion of the Bellas, a special tour that featured the participation of Yolanda Medina and Giuliana Rengifo. And this year, upon celebrating a quarter of a century, the band will release a vinyl album, which will feature collaborations from Los Ecos, Ruth Karina and Rossy War. As well as Ecuadorian artists: Cecy Narváez, Gerardo Morán and Anita Lucia Proaño. He will also offer a concert with the participation of former members.

“With our new musical deliveries we will seek a Grammy nomination and recover the lost space. The competition, especially from men, which is very strong in the market, is tough. However, that does not discourage us. We continue on the path. Beautiful Water There is only one! The Story Continues”, he emphasizes.