Lately it seems like all eyes are on Peru’s twisted digital cumbia scene, which makes a lot of sense considering how the country’s DJs have drawn on their rich musical history to take tropical bass in new and exciting directions. And one of the principal driving forces behind the country’s cumbia renaissance is no doubt the eclectic crew comprising Lima’s Terror Negro Records. With label founder Deltatron laying down beats alongside the likes of Tribilín Sound and Loko Bono, Terror Negro has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, and is even inspiring young DJs across Latin America.
But even with their growing profile, the folks behind Terror Negro are still just everyday limeños bringing the sounds of their barrios to the world. And in case you were in doubt, Native Instruments has brought us yet another mini-doc spin off from their Tropical Frequencies series, this time taking us into the no-frills middle-class apartment complex that brought the world DJ Chakruna.
After giving us a little background on the origin of his name (it’s the psychoactive ingredient in ayahuasca), we go behind some of the vibrant street art that adorns the walls of this otherwise drab middle-class hood, and hear from the neighbor who decided to brighten up the streetscape for his daughters. Take a minute or so to taste a bite-sized sampling of life in Lima’s hoods, and see where some of Terror Negro’s brightest talent thrives.