Juan Poccorpachi Flores, known by his stage name Leolicha, has been honored by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture as a "Personalidad Meritoria de la Cultura" (Meritorious Cultural Figure). The award recognizes five decades in traditional Andean music and his commitment to passing on the Waqra Puku.
Peru honors a musician who has been closely involved with traditional Andean music for five decades. Juan Poccorpachi Flores, better known as Leolicha, receives the "Personalidad Meritoria de la Cultura" award.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture confirmed the honor with Ministerial Resolution No. 000319-2026-MC. The decision was published on September 6, 2026, in the official gazette El Peruano.
The award focuses on Leolicha's long-standing work within the Toril tradition and his skills as an interpreter of the Waqra Puku. His contribution to passing on traditional Andean music in Ayacucho and Lima is also particularly highlighted.
Leolicha and Five Decades of Traditional Andean Music
Leolicha's musical education differs significantly from a classical academic path. His knowledge of the Waqra Puku primarily originated through oral tradition, observation, and direct experiences at traditional celebrations.
He learned various repertoires and playing styles from experienced musicians. At the same time, he engaged with the cultural rules and meanings associated with the instrument.
This form of knowledge transfer is particularly important for traditional music. Musical techniques are passed on to subsequent generations along with rituals, experiences, and cultural contexts.
Even after decades as a musician, Leolicha continues to work on his technique, according to the official resolution. Regular practice and exchange with other experienced musicians remain part of his work.
What is the Waqra Puku?
The Waqra Puku is a traditional wind instrument from the Peruvian Andes. Its distinctive curved shape makes it an extraordinary instrument even outwardly.
The instrument is played particularly at traditional festivals and communal ceremonies. Its significance is not solely musical. Regional traditions, rituals, and cultural ideas are associated with its use.
Precisely for this reason, the transmission of knowledge about the Waqra Puku is important. Learning it involves not only breathing techniques and melodies. Musicians must also know the cultural contexts in which certain pieces are played.
The Toril Tradition Shapes Leolicha's Work
The Ministry of Culture explicitly recognizes Leolicha's five decades within the Toril tradition. This music is closely linked to festivals and cultural traditions of various Andean regions.
For Leolicha, it became an essential part of his musical career. His work was not exclusively focused on performances.
Crucial for the current honor is also the preservation and transmission of musical knowledge. Thus, Leolicha belongs to those traditional musicians whose significance extends far beyond individual concerts or recordings.
Numerous Musical Productions
During his long career, Juan Poccorpachi Flores participated in various musical productions. These include "Conjunto Toril de Sihue," "Proyecto Toril," "Maestro Legendario de Corneta Waqra Puku," "Toril," and "Conjunto Toril," among others.
His work has also been recognized multiple times at the regional level. The communities of Paico, Chilcayoc, and Sucre honored him for his musical career and his contribution to the preservation of cultural identity.
With the current honor, his work now receives national recognition.
Initiative for the Award Came from Chilcayoc
The initiative to appoint Leolicha as "Personalidad Meritoria de la Cultura" came from the "San Pedro" Capital Society of the Chilcayoc district. Subsequently, the application was reviewed by the relevant departments of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
Both the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and the General Directorate of Cultural Industries and Arts positively evaluated the proposed award.
The Ministry concludes in its resolution that Leolicha's work represents an important contribution to Peruvian culture.
What Does "Personalidad Meritoria de la Cultura" Mean?
The "Personalidad Meritoria de la Cultura" award is granted by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. It honors individuals and organizations who have made a significant contribution to the cultural development of Peru.
For Juan Poccorpachi Flores, his five decades as an interpreter of the Waqra Puku and his contribution to traditional Andean music are central.
Traditional Knowledge Remains Alive
The honoring of Leolicha also shows the importance musicians have for the preservation of Peru's intangible cultural heritage.
Traditional music does not live solely through historical records or instruments in museums. Crucial are people who master, practice, and pass on this knowledge.
Juan Poccorpachi Flores has taken on precisely this task for decades. His musical career connects the tradition of the Waqra Puku with the transmission of repertoires, playing techniques, and cultural meanings.
With his appointment as "Personalidad Meritoria de la Cultura," Peru now officially recognizes this long-standing contribution to traditional Andean music.
Frequent Questions
Who is Leolicha?
Leolicha is the stage name of Peruvian musician Juan Poccorpachi Flores. He is particularly known as an interpreter of the traditional Andean instrument Waqra Puku.
What award did Leolicha receive?
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture has named Juan Poccorpachi Flores a "Personalidad Meritoria de la Cultura."
Why was Leolicha honored?
He was recognized for his five decades in the Toril tradition, his work as an interpreter of the Waqra Puku, and his contribution to passing on traditional Andean music, particularly in Ayacucho and Lima.
How did Leolicha learn the Waqra Puku?
His training primarily occurred through oral tradition, observation, practical experience at Andean festivals, and exchange with experienced musicians.
Sources
Diario Oficial El Peruano: "De la transmisión oral al reconocimiento oficial: distinguen a maestro del waqra puku," September 6, 2026.
Ministerio de Cultura / El Peruano: Resolución Ministerial No. 000319-2026-MC, published on September 6, 2026.
Hero Image: "Waqrapuku.jpg," Sairilunanueva, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. The image shows a Waqra Puku player from Lucanamarca and serves as a thematic illustration.
