Lima-based band, Big Pollo have released their live album Live In The UK in 2026. Formed in Lima in 2005 by Renato “Tato” Elera, the current line-up features Tato on vocals, Milky Fresh on bass, Jose Timarchi on guitar and Bruno Timarchi on drums. They originated Chichafunky, blending Latin funk, soul, Afro-Peruvian rhythms and the psychedelic sounds of Peruvian cumbia into a groove-heavy style often likened to James Brown meeting Chacalón in a futuristic Latin Funkadelic universe. This has evolved into a cultural movement honouring Peru’s musical heritage and reaching beyond its borders. With seven studio and live releases including La Chichafunky (2023) and San Bartolo Chill (2026), plus tours across Europe and the United States that featured appearances at Boomtown Fair and a dedicated 2025 UK tour for their 20th anniversary, the band have built a strong reputation for performances that combine musicianship, showmanship and real enjoyment.
The Live In The UK album provides a snapshot of their celebrated stage presence, featuring fan favourites including ‘Chicha Supersónica’ and a reinterpretation of The Beatles‘ classic ‘Come Together’. It captures the energy, spontaneity and musical chemistry that have defined their live performances for over twenty years. Their rhythms and melodies work together to create an experience that transcends language barriers and draws audiences onto the dancefloor for communal celebration.
Chichafunky represents more than a musical style; it embodies the cultural intersections that shaped modern Peru, including Andean and Amazonian traditions, urban migration, psychedelic art and contemporary Latin identity. Big Pollo have become leading ambassadors for the genre, taking this uniquely Peruvian sound to audiences across continents. This summer they appear at Tropical Pressure Festival and WOMAD UK with guest artists Gregorio Merchán, Carlos “Kanti” Saldaña, Omar Ríos and Las Chanchas. The band continue to seek additional festival, venue and cultural event opportunities throughout the UK, where their distinctive sound, strong cultural identity and atmosphere of collective celebration resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
Stream Live In The UK:
Upcoming UK 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)
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