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From the time of their ancestors, the townspeople of Peguche (province of Imbabura) have used music as an important mode of expression. From this indigenous town, famous for its mystical waterfall, comes Ñanda Mañachi (Translation: Let me borrow the road) a traditional Andean band. The band has been playing for 31 years, sharing through music their culture and the lives of their pueblo.

Surrounded by quenas, rondadores, charangos and other Andean instruments, we talked with the bands director, José Luis Pichamba, in his home: "The group was started in Ibarra by Chopín Thermes, a friend from France. Ñanda Mañachi was initially a health organization dedicated to help the campesinos. "

After observing the innate musical talent of the indigenous farmers, the project changed to uniting the musicians from Imbabura under one roof. "In the beginning we were made up of members from the many communities of of Imbabura such as Cajas, Carabuela, Zuleta and more. Today we are all from Peguche. We continue to work and struggle and that is how we survive." Today, only three of its original members are still around.

Thirteen musicians make up the current band. Their music encompasses such rhythms as: san juanitos, tonadas, albazos and others. What makes the band special is a combination of the versatility with which the musicians play the Andean wind and string instruments, the traditional dance which accompanies the presentations and hearing the songs in their native Quichua.

The band has toured throughout Ecuador and, internationally, has visited such countries as the USA and Denmark: "Last year we were in Asia for the first time, in Japan. Our music is appreciated for being traditional. For this reason, when we are abroad we represent our country as Ecuadorians not as Otavaleños."

The house of Ñanda Mañiachi in Peguche also functions as a workshop were traditional Andean instruments are made and as an art gallery. "We hope to provide more workshops of Andean instruments and music so our children can take advantage of this knowledge to better their lives. Of course, our workshops are open to all who want to learn."

The band is currently working on a greatest hits collection, remixing songs from their eight albums.

This week's MP3 is the song, "Ñuca Curipac" (To My Son) from their latest album, La persistencia de los sueños (The Persistence of Dreams). The song is a San Juanito whose words, written by José Pichamba, tells of the importance of transmitting folklore through the generations in an effort to preserve community ideals.

We present here the words of the song in its original language:

Ñuca Churipac (To My Son)