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ILLAPU

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Illapu (prounounced eeyapu), are a Chilean folk and andean musical ensemble that was formed in 1971, in Antofagasta, in northern Chile, by the brothers JosÃ© Miguel, Jaime, AndrÃ©s and Roberto MÃ¡rquez Bugueno. A later addition to the group was Osvaldo Torres. Illapu comes from the Quechua word meaning "Lightning Bolt". Their music was Folklore Andino. In 1981, because of the repression under the Pinochet regime, they were forced into exile - going first to France and later Mexico City. In 1988, due to the improved political climate, they returned to Chile. Their 1993 album (En Estos DÃas), which contained the hit single "Lejos del Amor", won 7 platinum records.

Formation: The Allende Years
Illapu was formed in 1971 in the northern Chilean town of Antofagasta. That same year they performed in the â€œ''Festival del Salitre''â€/Saltpeter Festival in MarÃa Elena (a mining precinct) and won the festival's prize after performing QuilapayÃºn's â€œ''La Muralla''â€/The Wall. They were sharply criticized by the organiser of the musical event, Patricio Manns, for interpreting someone else's composition. That same year Pato Valdivia joined the ensemble.
In 1972 they moved to Santiago de Chile seeking more performance and recording opportunities. They recorded their first album â€œMÃºsica Andinaâ€/Andean Music for the DICAP label. Shortly afterwards they won the pri... read all