link to Introduction link to Colombian Traditions link to Photograph Galleries link to Audio Recordings Link to Glossary link to Credits link to Venezuelan Traditions link to Peruvian Traditions

Víctor Manuel “Chocolatín” Casanova

Víctor Manuel Casanova is a versatile singer and guitarist born in Callao, Lima’s port city, in 1952. Casanova’s family was well versed in Afro-Peruvian musical heritage. He was given the stage name “Chocolatín” (Little Chocolate) by his agent in Peru, Augusto Ferrando, who later placed him as an artist in Miami.

Afro-Peruvian music is in great demand in Miami. Chocolatín performs regularly in area restaurants. At present, he appears in a duo with Luis “Cotito” Balarezo, a cajón (wooden box drum) player. Cotito, in turn, performs with the Miami Afro-Peruvian ensemble Perú Expresión.

In addition to Afro-Peruvian music, Chocolatín performs a wide range of Latin and North American popular music. Spanish flamenco music, in particular, highlights his skill as a guitarist. He sings in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, and can replicate a variety of vocal styles, including that of Louis Armstrong. Chocolatín is also a song composer.

 
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Víctor Manuel Casanova in a restaurant performance.
Photograph by Martha Ellen Davis.

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Casanova with Luis “Cotito” Balarezo on cajón.
Photograph by Martha Ellen Davis.


link to Introduction link to Colombian Traditions link to Photograph Galleries link to Audio Recordings Link to Glossary link to Credits link to Venezuelan Traditions link to Peruvian Traditions