Bagua No Se Olvida

“Bagua No Se Olvida” by El Sonido de La Resistencia (Artymaña) is a poignant and powerful song that delves into the tragic events of the Bagua massacre in Peru. The song begins with a serene morning scene, quickly disrupted by the arrival of foreign men in uniforms, whose presence signals impending danger. The protagonist's father tries to warn the community using a traditional instrument, the manguaré, but the warning comes too late. The protagonist witnesses the brutal killing of his father and other villagers by the police, who are acting under orders from then-President Alan García. The song vividly describes the confusion and horror as the protagonist realizes that the sounds he heard were gunshots and that the men in uniforms were armed police officers.

The lyrics are a powerful indictment of the violence and injustice perpetrated by the state. The repeated mention of Alan García underscores the political context and the direct responsibility of the government in the massacre. The song also highlights the broader issues of exploitation and oppression faced by indigenous communities, as they defend their land and resources from transnational corporations. The reference to “cuatrocientos mil cuerpos defendiendo los recursos” (four hundred thousand bodies defending the resources) emphasizes the scale of the struggle and the sacrifices made by the indigenous people.

The song concludes with a call to action and resistance. Despite the tragedy and loss, the protagonist finds hope and determination to continue fighting for justice. The return of the birds symbolizes a glimmer of hope and the resilience of the community. The final lines, “Maanitut Uwaechau” (let's fight for what is just in native language), serve as a rallying cry for unity and resistance against oppression. “Bagua No Se Olvida” is not just a song; it is a powerful reminder of a painful chapter in history and a call to never forget and continue the fight for justice and equality.