Musicaliza Perú: Do you know these 5 songs by Peruvian bands featured in international movies and series?

From Afro-Peruvian rhythms to punk and cumbia, these songs add depth and richness to the storytelling of the productions they are featured in.

Peruvian songs have carved out a special place in various international films and series, sharing their cultural essence with audiences worldwide. These world-class productions have been elevated by musical pieces that proudly bear a Peruvian touch.

Join us on a musical journey that spans different eras and rhythms.

1. "Demolición" by Los Saicos (Blue Beetle)

The movie Blue Beetle (2023) features the iconic song "Demolición" (Demolition) by the Peruvian band Los Saicos in its soundtrack, infusing the superhero universe with the rebellious energy of Latin American rock.

Composed in 1964 and regarded as a pioneering piece in the punk genre, this song underscores one of the most pivotal scenes in the film, where protagonist Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) discovers his new abilities, emphasizing a raw, energetic intensity. The inclusion of "Demolición" not only honors this legendary Peruvian band but also aligns perfectly with the rebellious spirit of the character's journey.

 

Movie: Blue Beetle 2023 / Source: HBO Max

 

2. "Cariñito" by Los Hijos del Sol (Élite)

What began as an anecdote turned into reality. This iconic cumbia, composed in 1979 by Ángel Aníbal Rosado and famously performed by Los Hijos del Sol, caught the attention of Ester Expósito and Arón Piper in 2019. Along with the Élite producer, they decided to upload videos of themselves dancing to the song at a nightclub onto digital platforms.

Three years later, in 2022, one of the most iconic songs of Peruvian cumbia was covered by the electronic duo Delaporte and featured in the fifth season of Élite. Titled "Cariñito" (Sweetheart) and renamed "Lloro por quererte" (I cry for loving you), it appeared in episode 6 during a party organized by the students to raise money for Samuel's bail.

The success of “Cariñito” did not just cross borders; it also became the main theme of a popular Colombian series in 2018. Loquito por ti (I'm crazy about you), which chronicled the life of singer-songwriter Rodolfo Aicardi, featured the song performed by actors Variel Sánchez and Mariana Gómez.

 

3. "Ellos quieren sangre" by Varsovia (Los Espookys)

Formed by Dante Gonzales, Fernando Pinzás and Sheri Corleone, Varsovia is a Peruvian band that moves along the lines of industrial rock, dark wave, punk and krautrock (experimental rock).

In 2019, their song "Ellos quieren sangre" (They want blood) from their debut album Recursos Inhumanos (Inhuman Resources) was featured on the soundtrack of the HBO series Los Espookys. Notably, this marked the first time a Peruvian band reached this prestigious network, allowing their music to gain recognition across the continent.

 

4. "Cerebro vomitado" by Los Huaycos (13 Reasons Why)

In Peru, a huaico refers to a natural disaster often associated with destruction, which is why it is fitting that a Peruvian punk band chose this term as their name. "Los Huaycos" is based in Oakland, California (San Francisco), and consists of Renzo Gianella, Ryan Brundage, Garzo, and Mark Reategui.

They have emerged as one of the most representative groups of the genre in the United States, with their song "Cerebro vomitado" (Vomited brain) featured in the soundtrack of the sixth episode of the second season of the popular Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.

 

5. "Regresa," "Cholo soy" and "El provinciano" by Jaime Cuadra (James Bond: Quantum of Solace)

In June 2006, Jaime Cuadra released his album "Cholo soy: Peruvian waltz chillout." From this debut work, the songs "Regresa" (Come back), "Cholo soy" (I am someone of mixed-blood heritage) and "El provinciano" (Native of a province)—originally written by Luis Abanto Morales and Augusto Polo Campos—were selected to be part of the soundtrack for James Bond: Quantum of Solace, starring Daniel Craig as James Bond.

 

Bonus track:

In 2003, the song "Machete" by the group Novalima, known for blending Afro-Peruvian music with other rhythms, was featured in the movie of the same name, starring Danny Trejo.

Meanwhile, two songs by the legendary Peruvian group Traffic Sound, "La camita" (The small bed) and "Meshkalina" (Peruvian torch), were featured in episodes 5 and 6 of the popular Netflix series Narcos: Mexico.

There is no doubt that the inclusion of Peruvian music in these international productions not only showcases the talent of Peruvian artists but also emphasizes the country’s rich cultural diversity through its music.