By Candelaria Donaji Méndez Tello* (Translated by Patricia Ann Talley)
Master Baltazar A. Velasco from Costa Chica is an Expert in Musical Folklore
Master Baltazar A. Velasco, a native of Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca, is an expert in the musical folklore of the coastal zone of the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. He is an author, cultural promoter, producer, and scriptwriter of radio cultural series.
His works promote the “La Chilena” – the beautiful women of the Costa Chica Region who encompass the southern part of the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. This area has a strong African and indigenous presence. His music speaks about these beauties, their fauna, their flora, their customs, and their traditions.
“La Chilena” Music is an Offspring of South America
Master Velazco says, “La Chilena music is a Mexican offspring of South American origin. It is said that it came from Chile. Our music is cheerful, syncopated, coastal, and very Mexican!
Like everything else in Mexico, La Chilena has three well-defined aspects: dancing, singing, and music. Many times, these three aspects merge with each other to form a single choreographic-literary-musical picture.”
Music is a Family Affair!
Music is a family affair for Master Baltazar. His wife Silvia Pérez and his children, Ulises, Liliana, Erik, Alma, and Fabrizio, usually accompany him in his musical productions, singing songs, and playing guitar, or other instruments. Today some of his grandchildren have joined the production! He has recorded TV shows, performed in theater productions, and received national and international recognition.
Music is a family affair for Master Baltazar. His wife Silvia Pérez and his children, Ulises, Liliana, Erik, Alma, and Fabrizio, usually accompany him in his musical productions.
Enjoy the lyrics and music of the Master Baltazar A. Velazco and the Chileneros de la Costa. You can find him on Facebook (Baltazar Velasco) and hear more of his music on Youtube (chilenero de pinotepa)
Baltazar Velasco – Chilenas Descriptivas De Costa Chica
*About the Author: Dr. Candelaria Donaji Méndez Tello is the Director of the Business & Tourism School at the Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. She is also a founding member and president of the Mexico Negro Civic Association, and an international representative of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force of Michigan, USA.