Victoria Eugenia Santa Cruz Gamarra (1922-2014) was a towering figure in Afro-Peruvian culture and a vital artist whose work spanned across poetry, music, dance, and theater. Born into a musically inclined family in Lima, Peru, Victoria along with her brother Nicomedes, played a pivotal role in reviving and celebrating the rich traditions of their African heritage. She was not only a fervent researcher of Afro-Peruvian folklore but also an inspiring educator and a passionate advocate for racial and cultural pride.
Her artistic journey led her to create the renowned company "Cumanana," where she directed performances that combined music, dance, and poetry, emphasizing the power and beauty of Afro-Peruvian customs. One of her most iconic works was the poem "Me gritaron negra," a powerful rendition that addressed racism and the reclaiming of one's identity with defiant pride. Throughout her career, Santa Cruz received multiple accolades, and her legacy remains deeply embedded in Peru's cultural history. Her works, including the historical "100º Aniversario (In Memoriam 1922-2022)," and her lifelong project of cultural affirmation and rediscovery, as exemplified in "Victoria Santa Cruz: Orgullosa Afro Peruana," continue to inspire new generations preserving and celebrating Afro-Peruvian heritage.
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