Grupo 5, the most listened to Peruvian cumbia band worldwide on Spotify

With more than 40 years of musical experience, Grupo 5 is not only one of the most recognized bands in Peru, but it has also just achieved its latest success: it was the most listened to Peruvian cumbia band worldwide on Spotify in 2019. Tracks such as 'Motor y Motivo' ('Motor and Motive'), 'Te Vas' ('You're Leaving'), 'El Ritmo de Mi Corazón' ('The Rhythm of My Heart') and 'Adiós Amor' ('Goodbye Love') are some of the favorites played on this digital platform.

The northern group was ranked in top place with 587,762 listeners per month, surpassing other groups such as Agua Marina, Los Mirlos and Armonía 10. "It's a reward from our fans for all the hard work we've been putting in over the past few years. We are proud of these figures", said Christian Yaipén, the group's lead singer.

The Pride of Monsefu

It all began on January 31, 1973 in Chiclayo, when brothers Elmer and Víctor Yaipén formed this group for which, in the early days, ballads were the key to its success. Tracks such as 'Recuérdame' ('Remember Me') and 'No Pongas Ese Disco' ('Don't Play That Record') became the band's flagship songs.

The 1990s would be bittersweet: the band was a success, but a car accident sadly took the life of Elmer Yaipén, known as the "Pharaoh of Cumbia". Able to put their pain to one side, his sons Elmer and Andy continued with the group, and added new voices. They thus released hits like 'Quién Cura' ('Who Heals'), 'Me Enamoré de Ti y Qué' ('I Fell In Love With You and What'), 'Puro Corazón' ('Pure Heart'), and 'Me Olvidé de Tu Amor' ('I Forgot Your Love'), among others.

Worldwide appeal and partnerships

In 2014 the group was being played on radio stations, but they wanted more. It was at this time that the track 'Apostemos Que Me Caso' ([Let's Bet That I Get Married') was released, reaching 8 million hits on YouTube. "That song opened doors for us once again. It was followed by 'Amarte Hasta La Muerte' ('Love You to Death') and 'Cambio Mi Corazón' ('Change My Heart')", says Elmer.

At this point, Spotify started playing an important role for the group, as they began searching for the list of countries that most listened to their repertoire of music. That's how they discovered that their songs had reached Chile, the United States, Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia and Italy.

Based on this information, in early 2018 Grupo 5 performed a concert at the Teatro Gran Rex theater in Argentina, which was recorded and shared on its YouTube platform. "It's an investment, but we're going to record our next foreign tours as well", Elmer adds.

Part of the plan to broaden their worldwide appeal was also found in collaboration with various artists. That's why, in 2018, the group collaborated with artists such as Gian Marco, Alberto Barros, Patrick Romantik and recent Grammy winner Tony Succar.

Did you know?

• According to the Association of Peruvian Authors and Composers (APDAYC), Grupo 5 has earned more than any other group since 2007.
• According to the ranking prepared by Spotify, the second most listened group of Peruvian cumbia is Agua Marina and the third is Los Mirlos. The fourth place is occupied by Armonía 10, while the fifth is Maricarmen Marín.
• In 2010, the series 'Puro Corazón: La Historia del Grupo 5' ('Pure Heart: The Story of Grupo 5') was launched, telling the life, achievements and successes of the Yaipén family.

Sources: Gestión/ La República/ RPP/ Ojo