"Toro Mata" ("The Bull Kills" in Spanish) is one of the most famous folk songs in Peru, which has been recorded and developed by many different musical artists throughout its history. Folk music, in the original sense of the term, is music by and of the people. ...

History

"Toro Mata" is a song influenced by Afro-Peruvian musical styles (this song is classified as a landó), and over the years, has become a popular anthem for Peru. A dance of "Toro Mata" also developed, which mocks and parodies the stylized waltzes of European Conquistadores. This politically-charged song and dance developed as a reaction to the conquest of Peru by Spain. By the beginning of the 20th century, "Toro Mata" was fading from popularity, but it has again become popular due the revival of musica criolla starting in the 1950's. Afro-Peruvian people are the descendants of African slaves brought to the Viceroyalty of Peru during the 16th century by the Spanish Conquistadores. ... The waltz is a dance in 3/4 time, done primarily in closed position, the commonest basic figure of which is a full turn in two measures using three steps per measure. ... Conquistador (meaning Conqueror in the Spanish language) is the term used to refer to the soldiers, explorers, and adventurers who brought much of the Americas under Spanish rule between the 15th and 17th centuries. ... Musica criolla is a Peruvian genre of music, which combines African, Spanish and other influences, especially polkas and waltzes. ...

One of the most famous versions of "Toro Mata" was performed by Carlos Soto de la Colina (also known as Caitro Soto) in 1973. "Toro Mata" has also been performed by Peruvian musicians Susana Baca, Peru Negro and Lucila Campos. There are many different versions of "Toro Mata" within Peru, with slight differences in content, though all center on a deadly bull. The song has gained popularity outside of Peru, with Cuban artist Celia Cruz recording a salsa version of the song. Susana Baca (b. ... Celia Cruz Celia Cruz (Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso) (October 21, 19251 – July 16, 2003) was a Cuban salsa singer who spent most of her career living and working in the United States. ... Salsa music is a diverse and predominantly Caribbean and Latin genre that is popular across Latin America and among Latinos abroad; the style is the primary music played at Latin danceclubs and is the essential pulse of Latin music, according to author Ed Morales . ...

External Links

Lyrics to Carlos Soto de la Colina's version of "Toro Mata" (in English)