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If you already read the first part of this article (and if not, you can do so here), you know that salsa has more Peruvian DNA than many imagined. Behind major salsa anthems, there are songwriters born in Peru whose lyrics and melodies were catapulted to stardom by icons like Celia Cruz, Héctor Lavoe, and Oscar D’León.
But the story doesn’t end there.
In this second installment, we continue unearthing musical gems that, although they spread worldwide through the voices of Rubén Blades, Marc Anthony, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, and other giants of the genre, were actually born in Peruvian soil.
These are songs that have made generations dance, but whose roots —silent yet powerful— trace back to the rhythms, stories, and creativity of Peruvian composers. And it’s no coincidence. Peru has a deep connection to salsa, not just as inspiration, but also as a stage.
Because Lima and Callao didn’t just write salsa: they lived it.
The country has hosted the biggest stars of the genre and created its own solid, vibrant, and passionate salsa scene. From massive concerts to local orchestras, from loyal fans to world-class musicians, salsa in Peru is a cultural phenomenon with its own identity.
So get ready for the second list of 6 songs that you’ve surely danced or sung to more than once… without knowing they were born with a Peruvian soul.
We’re going to keep surprising you.
1. Hasta Que Vuelvas Conmigo
- Peruvian songwriter: Gian Marco
- Performed by: Marc Anthony
A powerful ballad written by Peruvian singer-songwriter Gian Marco, transformed by Marc Anthony into a heart-wrenching, passionate salsa interpretation. The song speaks of absent love, the kind that refuses to die. The salsa version intensified its emotional depth and became one of Marc’s live performance favorites. Another example of how Gian Marco’s songwriting transcends genres and borders.
Original version – Gian Marco
Salsa version – Marc Anthony
2. Tiahuanaco
- Peruvian songwriter: Alfredito Linares
- Performed by: Fruko y sus Tesos / Alfredito Linares
An instrumental and danceable gem. Peruvian pianist and composer Alfredito Linares was a pioneer who took his music to Colombia, directly influencing the development of salsa in that country. Tiahuanaco showcases a fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and Andean heritage.
Original version – Alfredito Linares
Salsa version – Fruko y sus Tesos
3. Todos Vuelven
- Peruvian songwriter: César Miró
- Performed by: Ruben Blades
An emblematic Peruvian anthem, adapted into salsa with great sensitivity by Roberto Blades. The song carries strong nostalgic and patriotic sentiments. Its salsa version has been embraced by Peruvian migrant communities around the world.
Original version – César Miró
Salsa version – Ruben Blades
4. Presumida
- Peruvian songwriter: Jorge Chávez Malaver
- Performed by: Louie Ramirez & Ray de la Paz
A classic-flavored salsa from the 80s. Lima-born composer Jorge Chávez Malaver was a respected figure in Peru’s music scene. Presumida was originally part of the Peruvian chicha music repertoire —a mestizo genre that blends Afro-Cuban rhythms, Colombian cumbia, Amazonian beats, psychedelic rock, and Andean melodies. Later, the song reached New York and was re-recorded as salsa by Louie Ramírez and Ray de la Paz, two legends of romantic Puerto Rican salsa.
Original version – Jorge Chávez Malaver
Salsa version – Louie Ramirez & Ray de la Paz
5. Callao Puerto Querido
- Peruvian songwriter: Jorginio Mendoza
- Performed by: El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico
An ode to the port city of Callao. Callao Puerto Querido is a heartfelt tribute by Peruvian composer Jorginio Mendoza to his homeland. El Gran Combo, enchanted by its flavor, decided to record it, and today the song is heard at concerts and festivals around the world.
Original version – Combo Espectaculo Creación – Jorginio Mendoza
Salsa version – El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico
6. Parte de Este Juego
- Peruvian songwriter: Gian Marco
- Performed by: Luis Enrique
Another song from prolific songwriter Gian Marco that crossed borders. Luis Enrique turned it into a romantic salsa full of reflection. The lyrics talk about emotional wounds and the healing process, both in love and in life.
Original version – Gian Marco
Salsa version – Luis Enrique
Salsa wasn’t just born in New York, nor was it confined to the Caribbean. Peru has been a fertile ground for composers, musicians, and melodies that have enriched this genre with identity, emotion, and soul. From the criollo waltz to Amazonian rhythms, from Peruvian chicha (with its psychedelic fusions) to romantic salsa, Peru has left a unique and often silent mark on salsa music.
Behind many international voices, there are Peruvian melodies still traveling the world without losing their roots.
Do you know more salsa songs written by Peruvians?
Share your opinion in the comments and pass this article along to those who still don’t know about Peru’s contribution to salsa!
