Lucha Reyes: Peruvian music star

Published: Feb. 7, 2024, 8 a.m.

Lucha Reyes was one of Peru\u2019s greatest singers. She was born into poverty in 1936 and fought terrible health problems and racism throughout her life. But it didn\u2019t stop her becoming a star of Peruvian Creole music - a fusion of waltzes, Andean and Afro-Peruvian styles.

In the early 1970s she recorded hits including Regresa and Tu Voz. One of the few black Peruvian celebrities of her era, she was a trailblazer for black women in the country.

Polo Bances played the saxophone in her band, accompanying her on many of her greatest records. He celebrates her life with Ben Henderson.

(Photo: Lucha Reyes. Credit: Javier Ponce Gambirazio)