“Cariñito” conquers the world: From “Los Hijos del Sol” to Dua Lipa, Cazzu to “Elite”, Peruvian cumbia crosses borders and unites generations

A few weeks ago the Peruvian audience experienced a special moment when they sang one of the most representative songs of local cumbia. ‘Treasure’Composed half a century ago, it still remains valid and manages to inspire both the audience and national and international artists. Dua Lipa at San Marcos Stadium And Cazzu on Costa 21 They surprised by performing this classic in front of thousands of visitors, reinforcing that the song is not only a national landmark but also a global phenomenon.

‘Treasure’, A song born in the seventies has since spread through different generations and musical styles, becoming a symbol of Peru’s identity and pride. Here its origins and where it was present.

The beginnings of ‘Treasure’ dates from July 1977, when Angel Aníbal Rosadoa composer from Lima known for his versatility in Creole and Afro-Peruvian music chose cumbia again. Rosado was looking for the guitarist Jose Luis Carballo arranging a melody that, in Carballo’s own words, conveyed a mix of sadness and joy.

The lyrics are direct and emotional and come from Rosado’s everyday life. his widow, Eugenia Acostahe said The trade that many of the composer’s songs were inspired by their relationship and the phrases they shared closely with each other. Officially registered in 1980 by the Peruvian Association of Authors and Composers (APDAYC)the song soon transcended the national scene.

However, the song’s true international breakthrough came in 1979, when the Colombian-Italian singer Rodolfo Aicardi heard the version of The Children of the Sun in Ecuador and decided to take on the orchestra The Hispanics. Aicardi commented on this Pedro MurielProducer of Disc sources: “I have this year’s hit. I heard it in Ecuador and we’re going to record it.” The arrangements were responsible Luis Carlos Montoyawho had already worked on other tropical hits.

Here’s how to do it, the Colombian version of ‘Treasure’, It established itself as a hit in December of that year and remained at the top for the following two years. In Colombia, the song was incorporated into Christmas celebrations and became a seasonal classic, evoking childhood memories and family gatherings. The song also quickly spread to other Latin American countries and Spain, cementing its status as an international hit.

The ubiquity of ‘Treasure’ in Peruvian popular culture was particularly evident during the Pan American Games 2019 in Lima. The song was played at all stadiums and events and was even described by the foreign press as the “most hated song” of the competition, although it was a source of pride and celebration for the local public. The song accompanied the parade of the Peruvian delegation and was even danced by the then president Martin Vizcarra.

Over the decades, the Peruvian song has also been reinterpreted by a variety of artists and groups and adapted to different styles and audiences. The versions of Cheap, La Sarita And Mauricio Mesones in Peru, which have revived the topic for new generations. In Chile, Trujillo boy And Pachuco and Cubanacan added the song to their repertoire while in Mexico. Purple Downs He included it in his 2019 album “Al Chile.”

In Spain, the electronic music group Delaporte has recorded a version for the fifth season of the hit series “Elite,” airing in 2022 by Netflixto bring the song to a worldwide audience. Other notable adaptations include Spanish Band Carminha news and the presence of ‘Treasure’ in the Colombian soap opera “Loquito por ti”, where she was played by the protagonists.

On November 25, 2025, Dua Lipa surprised the audience in Lima with the invitation of the Peruvian singer Mauricio Mesones to the stage of San Marcos Stadium to interpret ‘Treasure’ during his “Radical Optimism Tour.” The British artist chose this classic song as a tribute to local musical culture, garnering instant applause and virality on social media. Mesones took the opportunity to claim authorship Angel Aníbal Rosadowhich highlights the importance of acknowledging the song’s Peruvian origins.

Five days later, on November 30th, cazzu offered his own tribute Coast 21 from Lima. Dressed in Andean clothing and accompanied by musicians who created a carnival atmosphere, the Argentine singer shared with the audience her personal connection to the song: “The times they threw talcum powder, flour and paint at me while singing this song. I drink a wine in a box,” she said, recalling the carnival in northern Argentina and the influence of Peruvian music on her life. Cazzu joked about Dua Lipa’s previous version and shouted, “Let’s get the carnival going!” and sparked the party at the venue in Lima.

Both honors demonstrated the performance of ‘Treasure’ to unite generations and cultures, and reaffirmed its validity as a symbol of national and international identity.

Despite the international success of his work Angel Aníbal Rosado He led a modest life in Peru. The royalties from ‘Treasure’ and other compositions were barely enough to finance the treatment of his terminal illness. Rosado died in 2008 without being able to fully enjoy the international recognition of his song.

your son, Ángel Aníbal Rosado Jr.Remember, the composer believed strongly in the song’s potential to travel the world, a vision that time confirmed. Today the song continues to generate royalties, especially in Europe, and remains a source of pride for his and the family Peru.

Jose Luis CarballoGuitarist on the original recording, commented in an interview with the trade, the emotion of seeing people of different nationalities play the song: “I have seen North Americans, Europeans and even Asians play the song. And sometimes I cry with emotion because it is part of our culture.”

Without a doubt the fate of ‘Treasure’ It exceeded its creator’s expectations and became an anthem and national emblem that transcended borders, connected generations and continues to resonate loudly on stages around the world today.