The Embassy of the United States is pleased to announce the arrival of the Navajo punk rock band Sihasin”” (translated as “Hope”) to celebrate the 246th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America and participate in cultural exchanges with the Peruvian band “Uchpa”. This program is possible thanks to the support of the University of Engineering and Technology UTEC.
Originally from Arizona, Sihasin is made up of a sibling duo, Clayson and Jeneda Benally, and their music draws from Navajo culture, activism, and punk rock. The band was selected by American Music Abroad, a cultural diplomacy program that shares internationally the American music and is sponsored by the US Department of State.
During their trip to Peru, Sihasin will carry out various cultural activities in Lima, which include workshops with students and indigenous communities who will be told more about the Navajo culture, a traditional ceremony to celebrate interculturality at the “Mateo Salado” archaeological site, together with the Peruvian band Uchpa, with whom they will also perform a free concert in the Plazuela del Teatro Municipal on Friday, July 8 at 07:00 pm. This concert is possible thanks to the support of the Municipality of Lima.
Prior to their visit, Sihasin and Uchpa participated in a virtual program where Sihasin performed “Corazón Contento” by Uchpa and Uchpa performed “Strong Together” by Sihasin. In addition, they had the opportunity to create a song together titled “Freedom”. The video clip of the song was recorded in the Colorado Canyon and in Mateo Salado thanks to the support of the Mateo Salado Integral Project, Qhapaq Ñan-National Headquarters, Ministry of Culture of Peru. The result of this collaboration can be seen on the Embassy’s fan page on Monday, July 4 at 3:00 p.m.
The importance of interculturality in each of the events will make Sihasin’s visit to Peru a great opportunity to visualize the richness of both cultures and thus bring the brother nations of Peru and the United States closer together.
You can follow Sihasin’s activities in Peru on our social networks or write to LimaIOStaff@state.gov for more information