A Zest for Life. Afro-Peruvian Rhythms, a Source of Latin Jazz

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Description

Peruvians of African descent are a minority within their country, but their culture has had a tremendous impact. Even la Marinera, Peru's national dance, shows African influence. Using performance, historical photographs, and interviews, this program acquaints viewers with Afro-Peruvian music and dance. Host Eve A. Ma explains how these art forms were affected by the strictures of slavery in colonial-era Latin America, while dancer/percussionist/choreographer and folklorist Lalo Izquierdo demonstrates instruments developed by slaves that are now used by Latin jazz musicians. Highlights of the video include a performance of the Torito Pinto, a dance that mocks the slave master, and segments on the multicultural roots of zapateo and the hatajo de negritos.