Music

Indigenous music plays a very important role at Nanta - as the children learn to play their native instruments and rhythms, their practice helps them to interpret the songs and melodies of their communities of origin. Through this process they can rediscover their roots and customs. The centre started a community-based group in August 2002 called Ayllu Pukara, which means "Community lifting itself through strength".

At the end of 2002 the group recorded a CD of christmas music, and in 2003 and the start of 2004 recorded a second CD containing a mosaic of the indigenous music of the highlands and valleys of Bolivia. Now, the group performs at festivals and regional celebrations as well as playing concerts in their own right. For the Entrada de la Virgen de Guadelupe in 2004, Ayllu Pukara played the Mohoceñada, a wind-instrument from the highlands. In 2005's Entrada we played music traditional to the Guarani people - Arete Guasu - on the first day, and Jula-Julas, from North Potosí, on the second.

In 2005 a folk music group, Los Phuyñari, was formed, which intends to release a CD in 2007, and has so far performed several concerts.

In our daily workshops the children learn to work on equipment, develop a critical sense, and respect the opinions of others. They also participate in excursions, fiestas and concerts, which build friendships and self-esteem.

Ñanta's vision is for the children to rediscover their culture, to have pride in and awareness of it, and in this way come to value themselves and to improve their own prospects. Beyond this, the indigenous music workshop's mission is to rescue, preserve and spread the rhythms of Bolivia's rural communities.

Cuchi Sonqo MP3 (a song from the first album by Ayllu Pukara).