Meet the Peruvian musician with Down syndrome who won an award in the United States

A model for discipline and improvement, José David Gómez Pineda is a Peruvian musician with Down syndrome who has been recognized at the International Gold Excellence Awards, thanks to his work as an advocate of the rights of people with disabilities through music and dance.

The awards ceremony, held in Washington, was one of the events celebrating the 198th anniversary of Peruvian Independence. The honor, presented by Supreme Court of the State of New York judge, Carmen Velázquez, was awarded by the Peruvian American National Council (PANC), an association of Peruvians who live in the United States. Every year it recognizes Peruvian personalities who have been particularly prominent in the US or Peru in the cultural, business and professional sectors.

Getting to know José David

José David always had a passion for the arts. He has played music and danced since the age of five. He was a member of the rock group Magenta, led by tutor Gerson Durand and composed of musicians with Down syndrome and autism.

David's parents are Efraín Gómez and Gloria Pineda, two well-known journalists who have continually supported their son since the day he was born, 23 years ago.

“José David represents not only himself but also other young people with Down syndrome in various settings. He’s passionate about music and dance. He has been fortunate to enjoy the valuable support of committed professionals who believed in him, and rightly so", says Gloria about her son.        

In recent years, José David has performed in auditoriums in Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, the United States and, twice, in Argentina. In Argentina he played and sang “Solo le pido a Dios”, “El Cóndor Pasa”, “Valicha”, and “Imagine”, alongside his idol, Argentine singer-songwriter León Gieco, and the Mundo Alas ensemble.

As far as dance is concerned, José David and Gigi Naveda, director of the Asociación Bailando Con El Corazón (Dancing With The Heart Association), have been partners for two years. They give Peruvian folk dance performances in schools, universities and municipalities. Gómez Pineda also performs urban dances such as hip hop, salsa, bachata, mambo and cumbia with freestyle dance teacher Rodolfo Dulanto.      

Did you know?

• Mundo Alas is a project run León Gieco, bringing together disabled artists who perform with him in a variety of productions. The organization has featured in a book and a movie.

Source: Andina/ Facebook/ Diario Norte