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

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

Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chávarri del Castillo, born on September 13, 1922, in Callao, was one of the most extraordinary singers of the 20th century. With a father from Cajamarca and a mother from Piura, Yma Sumac (Quechua for "how beautiful") was renowned for her incredible vocal range. She captivated the world with her music, blending traditional Andean elements with a distinctive style all her own.

Her career was distinguished not only by her technical prowess but also by her unique style, which established her as a cultural icon. Over the course of her career, Yma Sumac recorded numerous albums featuring songs cherished and admired by generations. Let’s take a look at some of her greatest hits.

Source: Latino USA

Chuncho

This is one of Yma Sumac's most emblematic compositions and is featured on her debut album, "Voice of the Xtabay" (1950). The piece is notable for its intricate vocal structure, evoking the sounds of the Amazon through imitations of birds and other animals. Sumac often credited her distinctive voice to her practice of mimicking the birds of the countryside.

Malaya!

In this song, also from the album "Voice of the Xtabay," Yma Sumac's vocal versatility and her capacity to convey deep emotion are truly evident. The title of the song reflects an exclamation in Quechua that expresses a sense of impotence or frustration.

Tumpa

Another song from the legendary album "Voice of the Xtabay" showcases Yma Sumac’s evocative and mystical side. Through powerful high notes and deep basses, her voice creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Goomba Boomba

With "Goomba Boomba," Yma Sumac showcased her ability to adapt to more commercial musical styles while retaining her distinctive flair. Featured on her album "Mambo!" (1954), the song blends the popular mambo rhythm with Sumac's unique vocal elements.

Gopher mambo

Perhaps one of her most well-known songs, it has been featured in TV shows and even served as the musical backdrop for the iPhone 12 presentation. The song combines Latin rhythms with her unmistakable exotic style and powerful voice, making it a timeless classic.

Source: Revista Times

SINGING IN THE SOVIET UNION

Yma Sumac has graced the world's most prestigious stages with her prodigious voice. However, there are a series of performances that have become legendary due to their unique characteristics.

In the 1960s, during the time of the Soviet Union, the Peruvian diva Yma Sumac was invited by Nikita Khrushchev, the General Secretary of the Communist Party, who was a devoted admirer of hers. Khrushchev was so taken with her that he paid her half a year's fee in foreign currency, an unusual and noteworthy gesture for that time, making it a rare exception to the norm.

As a result, Yma Sumac delivered impressive live performances that were captured on television, including her mesmerizing rendition of the now-classic "Chuncho" at the Moscow Conservatory.

MARILYN MONROE

In the 1950s, Yma Sumac enjoyed a remarkable reputation and career, often wearing outfits designed by the top Hollywood couturiers of the era. These designers were also responsible for the luxurious wardrobes of Marilyn Monroe, the famous American actress.

Sumac not only shared fashion designers with the iconic model but also a photographer: Tom Kelley, who was responsible for the covers of the albums "Voice of the Xtabay," "Legend of the Sun Virgin," and "Inca Taqui."

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

Yma Sumac was the first Latin singer to take on a role on the legendary Broadway stage, with her performance in "Flahooley" in 1951.

In 1955, "Secret of the Incas" premiered in Lima, featuring the Peruvian diva alongside the legendary actor Charlton Heston. The film was shot both in Cusco and at Paramount Studios. In 1956, she earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records for having the highest vocal range in the world.

Historian Carmen McEvoy attributes Yma Sumac's success not only to her own talent but also to her partner and manager, Moisés Vivanco, an Ayacucho composer. Vivanco's innovative idea of creating shows full of fantasy and mysticism, evoking the grandeur of the Inka Empire, played a significant role in Sumac’s success. This is why she was also known as "the last Inka princess."

Yma Sumac is undoubtedly one of the most unique and memorable voices of the 20th century. Her talent for blending traditional Andean music with contemporary rhythms, coupled with her astonishing vocal range, established her as a legendary and influential figure.

Her songs continue to testify to her enduring legacy, bridging Peruvian tradition with modernity. Her influence remains evident in music and popular culture, proving that, despite the passage of time, Yma Sumac's voice remains timeless.