11 Facts About Susana Baca

Susana Baca has been a key figure in the revival of Afro-Peruvian music.

Susana Baca was born and grew up in a coastal fishing village, Chorrillos, a district of the Lima Province of Peru, and part of greater Lima.

Susana Baca's music is a mixture of traditional and contemporary.

Susana Baca's backing band features indigenous Peruvian instruments such as the cajon, udu, and quijada cheko a dried gourd, as well as acoustic guitar and electric upright baby bass.

Susana Baca is an important figure in the revival of Afro-Peruvian music within Peru, which, like the culture that produced it, had previously been little recognized, but which is regarded as an important part of Peruvian culture.

Susana Baca has contributed much to its international popularity, which began in 1995 with the release of the compilation CD Afro-Peruvian Classics: The Soul of Black Peru.

Susana Baca founded the Instituto Negrocontinuo in her seafront home in Chorrillos, to foster the collection, preservation and creation of Afro-Peruvian culture, music and dance.

In 2002, Susana Baca won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Folk Album, for her album Lamento Negro.

Susana Baca ended up winning the award and said she dedicated it to the Peruvian youth, specially those who work on building Peru higher every day.

In July 2011, the newly elected President of Peru, Ollanta Humala, announced that Susana Baca would become his Minister of Culture.

Susana Baca resigned due to a cabinet reshuffle on 11 December 2011.