Peru's Big Pollo Set to Light Up UK Festival Season with Chichafunky Sound
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Big Pollo are preparing for a busy summer in the UK as the acclaimed Peruvian collective returns with a string of festival appearances and the release of their latest live album, Live In The UK. Known for creating the Chichafunky movement, the Lima outfit continue to blend Latin funk, Afro-Peruvian rhythms, psychedelic cumbia and soul into an energetic live experience that has won fans across Europe and the United States.
Since forming in 2005, Big Pollo have carved out a distinctive musical identity under the leadership of founder Renato "Tato" Elera. Alongside bassist Milky Fresh, guitarist Jose Timarchi and drummer Bruno Timarchi, the band have released seven studio and live albums while refining a sound rooted in Peru's diverse musical heritage. Their music combines infectious grooves with colourful melodies, creating performances that invite audiences to dance regardless of language or background.
The band's growing popularity in Britain follows previous performances at Boomtown Fair and a successful UK anniversary tour in 2025. This year's schedule includes appearances at Tropical Pressure Festival and WOMAD UK, together with headline shows in London and Edinburgh featuring Las Chanchas. Additional guest musicians Gregorio Merchán, Carlos "Kanti" Saldaña and Omar Ríos will also join selected performances throughout the tour.
Released to coincide with the summer dates, Live In The UK captures the excitement of Big Pollo's stage show. The album features standout tracks including "Chicha Supersónica" and a fresh take on The Beatles' classic "Come Together", highlighting the band's ability to reinterpret familiar songs through the unmistakable lens of Chichafunky. The live release further demonstrates why audiences continue to embrace the band's uplifting performances.
With demand for genre-crossing world music continuing to grow, Big Pollo are well placed to introduce even more listeners to the colourful sounds of modern Peru. Their performances offer a celebration of culture, rhythm and connection, ensuring the Chichafunky movement continues to reach new audiences throughout the UK and beyond.
Tour Dates:
10 July — Tropical Pressure Festival, Cornwall
25 July — WOMAD UK, Wiltshire
29 July — The Fox & Firkin, London (Big Pollo ft. Las Chanchas)
31 July — Stramash, Edinburgh (Big Pollo ft. Las Chanchas)
