By Stevie Connor.
50 years since their formation, the philanthropical message of hope for the Andean people remains strongly embedded in Los Ruphay’s music. A posthumous work of the band’s former leader, Mario P. Gutiérrez and his message to recognise and appreciate Bolivia as a nation with a unique character and culture.
“The songs they have amassed, from the mouths of their people, express continuity of a community-based and cosmic civilization.” – Jean Loup Herbert
In Quechua, the Indian language, Ruphay means ray of sunlight.
Since 1968 Ruphay has perpetuated with all the energy of its musicians this musical art which praises the profound heritage, values and identity of the Aymara and Quechua Indians. Since October 1968, when the poet and composer Mario P. Gutiérrez formed the Ruphay group they have been transmitting their precious heritage, that is the music from the Andes High plateau. Indeed, to this very day, following ancient customs this music remains an integral part of the community unit, its rites, seasonal festivities and all events punctuating the everyday life of the Andean civilization.
Ruphay will go on travelling in Europe and Bolivia to mark this important anniversary and to promote the cultural strength of Andean people. Ruphay also continue to honour the memory of the group founder MARIO P. GUTIERREZ who was the bastion for the defence of the Indigenious. His work is continued by Rupay constitutes not only a precious cultural heritage, but also a moving message of encouragement for the respect of Nature and Human values which is passed on to the new generations.
The heritage of the great Aymara and Quechua civilizations is a community art passed down from generation to generation.
Despite the feeling of oppression which one can experience in some of the songs and though some music was forbidden or distorted by the Catholic religion, this musical art has neither lost its richness nor its inner strength. Today, like yesterday: music, songs and dances are intimately part of the reality of the life in the Altiplano.
The instruments needed to play this traditional music are mainly wind and percussion. Most flutes are made of reeds found in regions neighbouring the Titicaca lake, and are well-known for being endowed with a resonant quality. All these instruments invite you and compel you to a full communion.
Later, with the Spanish colonisation the chords arrived and were rapidly assimilated giving birth in particular to the popular Charango: a small instrument with five double chords inspired by the guitar, with a crystal-clear sound. It was initially made from an armadillo shell.
Today, Aymara and Quechua Indians continue to love and respect Andean nature, Mother-Earth Pachamama and living out their culture that develops an intimate consciousness of community values necessary to a human coexistence and their love for music, that conveys this deep feeling of spiritual and community harmony.
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