Hermanos Yaipén managed to position themselves as one of the most popular cumbia groups in the country since their creation in the early 2000s. Since then, songs like ‘Lárgate’, ‘Holy that you die’ or ‘Need un love’ became part of the soundtrack popular with a large number of Peruvians. La República spoke exclusively with them about their struggles and triumphs in the always competitive music industry.
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How were the beginnings of the Yaipén Brothers?
—How was the transition from starting in Grupo 5 and then creating Hermanos Yaipén?
—Javier Yaipén: I worked for 25 years in Group 5 and Walter (Yaipén) for about 26 years. After my brother Elmer Yaipén’s accident in 1999, in 2000 we formed Walter and Javier: Hermanos Yaipén. Now we have 24 years of musical career. Positioning the cumbia was a little difficult because we didn’t have a defined style. A lot of work was done to find something that the public likes, we made heartbreak songs that were the ones that really hit.
—What is the process to find a musical success?
—Javier Yaipén: We choose several options and we ask among family members, we both see which one we like the most, sometimes we ask the members of the orchestra or our own children. If they dance to it, it’s good (laughs).
—Speaking from the curiosity of the public, it sounds strange that, after the tragic loss of Elmer Yaipén, they decided to embark on a new project instead of continuing with Group 5. Why is this?
—Javier Yaipén: The thing is, when my brother died, it wasn’t the same. They (Elmer Yaipén’s family) wanted to run his company. However, with my brother it was different because we managed everything. Then, it all started… they wanted to manage everything and with rights. We were forced to take a step aside so as not to… to be able to do our project. and I think we demonstrated it because we became one of the best groups in Peru.
—Of all the songs and hits you have had, which one is your favorite?
—Javier Yaipén: It’s not because it’s mine, but it’s ‘I need a love’. It is a song that we play at all events and people continue to sing it. There are more hits like ‘Lárgate’, ‘Mi Estrella’, ‘El tiki taka’ and recently ‘Mix machito’.
Most recognized vocalists of Hermanos Yaipén
—As a group, they had various singers who later launched themselves as soloists. We saw them recently with Ángelo Fukuy in ‘Mande qué mande’.
—Javier Yaipén: Several performers passed through the ranks of Walter and Javier: Hermanos Yaipén and we really feel proud because they are good singers and they are making people talk as soloists. They continue the race, continue singing and doing what they like most.
—Jonathan Rojas, how did it feel to return to Hermanos Yaipén?
—Jonathan Rojas: The public has great affection for me, which I am very grateful for. Thanks to that wonderful audience. And this was possible thanks to the Yaipén family for once again taking that interest. People’s hearts have given me all their love and good energy, I feel it every time I go on stage.
YOU CAN SEE: Sebastián Yatra records himself excitedly listening to ‘Mix Juan Gabriel’, by ‘Hermanos Yaipén’: “I fell in love”
—Another well-known singer who went through the group is Christian Domínguez, do you have some kind of enmity with him? I mention it because they published a meme about him after his ampay that they titled: “A truck knows it.”
—Javier Yaipén: It was a joke that Roger (a member of his press team) made. He is the culprit (laughs). He is a great friend of José Antonio, of Jonathan Rojas, we have been friends for years, he has worked with us and, as he told you, everyone does what they can and what they know.
—Lately, Grupo 5 has been criticized a lot because much of the attention goes to Christian Yaipén instead of the other members of the orchestra, but you have always stood out for being a group, what do you think about that?
—Javier Yaipén: We respect the work of each group, each group knows how to manage its company and we manage it, perhaps, in a different way. Everyone has their criteria.
—How was the collaboration with Leslie Shaw? Did they manage to meet all your expectations?
—Jonathan Rojas: We were lucky enough to be able to travel to Miami, where she welcomed us with great affection along with her work team. We talked about the topic, called ‘Weekend’, and that is very valuable of her part. An impeccable job was done, it was A1 with the video clip, the entire orchestra team came to record and that made us happy. It was a new, modern rhythm, like reggaeton. The Yaipén Brothers always stand out for that. We have our identity; But, if there is a new proposal for an audience, like hers and ours, why not do it?
Hermanos Yaipén promises to bring new songs very soon and their new song ‘Mix machito’ has achieved 800,000 views in less than 5 days after its premiere. Without a doubt, they will continue to make more than one dance for a long time to come.