Roberto Parra

Roberto Parra was a Chilean musician, poet, and folklorist, best known for his contributions to Chile’s popular music and for creating the distinctive genre known as “jazz guachaca”—a lively fusion of jazz, cueca (a traditional Chilean dance), and cumbia, infused with a streetwise, working-class spirit. The younger brother of renowned folk artists Violeta Parra and Nicanor Parra, Roberto carved out his own unique path, embracing urban folklore and the colorful characters of Chilean nightlife.

One of his most celebrated works is La Negra Ester, a poetic memoir and stage play based on his love affair with a famous cabaret performer. The performance, later adapted into an iconic play by Andrés Pérez, became a milestone in Chilean theater and music history. Through his vivid storytelling and raw musical talent, Roberto Parra left a lasting mark on Chilean culture, celebrating the voices and rhythms of the country’s margins with honesty and humor.