Peru’s Master Percussionist: Alex Acuña
Alex Acuña (Photo: Drummerworld.com)
Some fifteen hundred people got together recently to set a new Guinness Record for largest cajon ensemble. The cajon is a wooden box you sit on to play. It started out as a substitute for African-style drums forbidden to slaves in Peru, but has gone global, adopted by flamenco, Latin jazz, and rumba.
This year at Peru’s annual cajon festival, Peru paid homage to Peruvian master percussionist Alex Acuña. He’s been drumming for more than 50 years, with musicians from Elvis Presley to Weather Report. Mitra Taj sent us this audio snapshot.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!