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Luzmila Carpio is a Bolivian singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, and actress of Quechuan origin who for over half a century has spread ancestral Andean knowledge and music all over the world. Luzmila’s music is particularly important in this global context of a reencounter with native roots, a new awakening of the conscience and the connection with the natural world, with the Pachamama. Her music transmits sensitivity towards the earth, respect for Latin American indigenous traditions and vindicating the role of women in our society.
As a small child, she learned the daily songs of the Quechua and Aymara indigenous peoples that inhabit the Bolivian Altiplano. Contrary to the prevalent trend of modernization, she started looking deeper into the cultural and musical ways of the Andes and singing in Quechua, rather than Spanish. The main ingredient was not to please the audiences that kept growing but rather to use her music as an expression of rebellion against the predominance of western cultural ways over indigenous ones, as a way to build more harmonious relationships among the peoples of the world. Her early compositions are until today considered by many as a symbol for oppressed cultures.
In 2015, ZZK Records remixed her recently re-released Unicef album from the 1990’s Yuyay Jap’ina Tapes to create the album Luzmila Carpio Meets ZZK. The album received critical acclaim and was described as “futuristic shamanism” by VICE and as “a condensation of tradition and futurism, of past and contemporary, organic sounds and digital rhythms” by RFI and both albums were listed in the top 10 Latin Albums of the Year by Rolling Stone Magazine.
In her recent compositions, Luzmila Carpio delves into themes that not only resonate with her indigenous heritage but also hold significance for younger generations. She explores the issues of cultural identity, empowerment of women in society, environmental preservation, and the importance of indigenous spirituality in a rapidly changing world.
By fearlessly blending tradition with innovation and using her music as a means of social commentary, Carpio represents more than ever the avant-garde spirit within the indigenous music scene, pushing boundaries and breaking new grounds.
Her new album ‘Inti Watana- El Retorno del Sol’ received critical acclaim and was listed #10 in the top 50 on Rolling Stone’s best Spanish Language Albums of 2023, describing her as one of the 3 LivingLatin American Music Legends. The album is accompanied by a full length documentary (trailer here) with a world premiere in 2024.
“When Andean Sounds Meet Modern Soul”
“One of the most important indigenous singers to emerge out of South America over the last 50 years. ” – DAZED.
“A perfectly balanced and endlessly intriguing set” –★★★★★ SONGLINES.
“Cascading percussion and atmospheric synths frame gorgeous lullabies for Mother Earth and cinematic birdsong duets performed in Spanish and indigenous Quechua.” – ROLLING STONE.
