Yma Sumac: The most memorable songs and performances by the iconic "Inka Princess"

Yma Sumac is the only Peruvian ownig a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the first Latina singer to perform a role on Broadway.

Where is Yma Sumac from?

Yma Sumac, whose real name was Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chávarri del Castillo, was born on September 13, 1922, in Callao and was one of the most extraordinary Peruvian singers of the 20th century. Born to a father from Cajamarca and a mother from Piura, her stage name (which means “how beautiful” in Quechua) has been known for her astonishing vocal range, and she conquered the world with her music, which combined elements of traditional Andean music with a unique interpretation

What is Yma Sumac's vocal range?

Her career was notable not only for her technical ability but also for her style, which made her a cultural icon. She owned an astonishing vocal range of more than four octaves, allowing her to sing from very low notes to almost superhuman high notes, a characteristic that distinguished her worldwide. Throughout her career, Yma Sumac recorded several albums that include songs remembered and admired by generations.

Let's review some of his greatest songs:

Chuncho

This is one of Yma Sumac's most iconic songs. It was composed by Moisés Vivanco and is part of her first album, " Voice of the Xtabay " (1950). The piece stands out for its complex vocal structure, known as a "triple trill," which recalls the sounds of the Amazon, imitating birds and other animals. As it is well known, she claimed that she found her unique voice imitating the birds of the countryside.

Malaya!

In this song, also featured on the album "Voice of the Xtabay," you can appreciate the versatility of Yma Sumac's voice and her ability to convey profound emotion. The song's title reflects an exclamation that, in Quechua, expresses helplessness or frustration.

Tumpa

Another track from the legendary album "Voice of the Xtabay," where Yma Sumac reveals her evocative and mystical side. Between powerful highs and lows, her voice creates an almost supernatural atmosphere.

 

 

Goomba Boomba

With "Goomba Boomba," Yma Sumac demonstrated her ability to adapt to more commercial musical styles without losing her distinctiveness. This song, released on her album "Mambo!" (1954), fuses the popular mambo rhythm with Sumac's unique vocal elements.

Gopher Mambo

Perhaps one of her best-known songs, it's been used on TV shows and was even the theme song for the iPhone 12 launch. The song blends Latin rhythms with her distinctive exotic style and powerful voice. A timeless classic.

You might also be interested in: The melody “El cóndor pasa” is recognized by the BBC as “an unforgettable song.”

 Source: Revista Times

 

SINGING IN THE SOVIET UNION

Yma Sumac has performed her prodigious voice on the world's most important stages. However, there are a number of performances that have gone down in history for one particular reason.

It was the 1960s, and in what was once called the Soviet Union (USSR), the Peruvian diva was invited by the General Secretary of the Communist Party, Nikita Khrushchev, who was such a loyal admirer that he paid her half a year's fees in foreign currency, a rare occurrence at that time, probably an exception to the rule.

Thus, Yma Sumac left impressive live performances that could be recorded on television, such as the magical rendition of her now classic "Chuncho" at the Moscow Conservatory.

 

MARILYN MONROE

In the 1950s, Yma Sumac enjoyed an overwhelming reputation and career, which is why she wore clothes designed by exclusive Hollywood designers of the time. They were also in charge of the luxurious outfits of Marilyn Monroe, the famous American actress.

Sumac not only shared designers with the remembered model, but also a photographer: Tom Kelley, who would be in charge of the covers of the albums “Voice of Xtabay”, “Legend of the sun virgin” and “Inca taqui”.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Yma Sumac was the first Latin singer to play a role on the legendary Broadway show "Flahooley" in 1951.

In 1955, "Secret of the Incas" premiered in Lima, a film in which the Peruvian diva starred alongside legendary actor Charlton Heston. This feature film was shot in Cusco and at Paramount Studios. In 1956, she entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the widest vocal range in the world.

For historian Carmen McEvoy, Yma Sumac's success was also due to her partner and manager, from Ayacucho composer Moisés Vivanco, who had the brilliant idea of providing shows full of fantasy and mysticism, which recalled the greatness of the Inca Empire. For this reason, Sumac was also known as "the last Inca princess."

Yma Sumac is, without a doubt, one of the most unique and memorable voices of the 20th century. Her ability to fuse traditional Andean music with contemporary rhythms and her astonishing vocal range have made her a cult figure.

Her songs continue to bear witness to her legacy, uniting Peruvian tradition with modernity. Her influence remains palpable in music and popular culture, proving that, even as the years pass, Yma Sumac's voice is eternal.