Los Wembler’s De Iquitos - Cumbia Peruana-Pioneers From Amazonas

Cumbia Peruana-pioneers from Amazonas.

The Sanchez brothers sure know how to start a party! Since the family band was formed in the late sixties, Los Wembler’s de Iquitos have been behind some of the most infectious hits of the cumbia peruana. Today, they’re more psychedelic and groovier than ever before.

In the late sixties, Peruvian shoemaker Solomon Sanchez decided to start a band with his five sons. The band played traditional rhythms — but in an entirely new way. That is, with electric, surf-inspired guitars. With this hybrid sound, Los Wembler’s de Iquitos are behind major cumbia peruana hits (also known as chicha), such as “Sonido Amazonico” and “Danza del Petrolero”. Tropical-party-starter-songs that ignited a cultural movement – as well as dance floors today!

Members of the Sanchez’ still live in their hometown of Iquitos, deep in the Amazon rainforest. The city is inaccessible by road. Instead, you have to either fly or travel by boat to reach it. It was also through the radio that the brothers were first exposed to a wide range of musical styles: North American psychedelic rock, Colombian cumbia, Brazilian carimbó, Ecuadorian San Juanitos, and Venezuelan joropos all made their way through the airwaves and into the sound of the family band, that today counts grandchildren of Solomon Sanchez as well.

Los Wembler’s de Iquitos are more psychedelic and groovier than ever before. We bow down to the legends, and can’t wait for them to bring the party to our stage!