Felicita Noemí Huarcaya Barrial: Peru's first female chicha voice

Felicita Noemí Huarcaya Barrial, a 76-year-old singer from Huancavelica, is recognized as the first female voice of chicha music in Peru. Born blind and entirely self-taught, she achieved musical success despite being unable to read or write.

Huarcaya Barrial rose to prominence over 40 years ago, performing well-known tracks such as ‘Juguetito’ and ‘Soy casado’ with the group Los Shapis. She credits her musical journey to the support of her family, including her sisters and nieces, who assisted her with lyrics and travel during her tours in Lima and Huánuco.