Lenin Tamayo and Q-pop

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Peruvian singer Lenin Tamayo has been dubbed the founder of ‘Q-pop’. He combines traditional Andean folk music with K-pop inspired instrumentation and dance. His songs mix Quechua – one of Peru’s indigenous languages, and the official tongue of the Inca Empire – and Spanish. Lenin first launched his career when his videos went viral on TikTok. Now, he is working on his second EP. It is a sweltering day in bustling Lima, and presenter Martin Riepl heads up to the north of the city. Lenin’s in his studio, wrestling with his new song, La Llaqta. Over the next five months, Martin follows this song’s journey from initial concept to live performance. He visits Lenin at home, backstage, in a storyboarding meeting, and at a dance rehearsal, uncovering Lenin’s process of fusing two very different musical styles. Presenter: Martin Riepl (Image: Lenin Tamayo. Credit: Yolanda Pinares)