Many generations know that the musical group Los Viking 5 is from Coquimbo and that their origins are closely linked to La Herradura beach. In fact, there is probably no adult over 30 years old today who hasn't danced to their rhythm at a birthday party, wedding, or family celebration. What is less known is the story of their formation.
How a group of friends, music lovers, managed to combine their talents to become an iconic figure in Chilean cumbia with songs that, as Ángel from the Núñez dynasty, one of their current members, says, are in the DNA of the people. "Without fear of being wrong, I believe that the classics of Los Viking 5 are part of the soundtrack of the Chilean people. Our songs always take you back to an important moment in your life," he confesses with special conviction.
It was 1969 when the father of our interviewee, the remembered Juan "Chagüa" Núñez, set up a furniture store in the backyard of his house, a place where four friends who loved music, including his brother Juan, would gather daily. Soon, they transformed the place into a true stage, a faithful witness to the founding of the musical group. "Naming the band was very easy.
I remember there was a boat stranded in La Herradura named Viking, and since there were 5 members, it became Viking 5," Ángel recalled, the current host and chorus of the group. Reunion Los Viking 5 return for an unmissable event if it involves dancing to classics like "Se Va La Vida," "Ese Barco Entrando En La Bahía," "Que Buena está Tu Hermana," "Para Qué llorar, Para Qué Sufrir," "Boquita de Caramelo," better known as "Tus Besos Son," "La Gallina No," and of course their iconic song "De Coquimbo Soy," among many others, including their new hit titled "Curao No Vale," a repertoire that will surely make Saturday night a true party. The performance of Los Viking 5 on the stage located inside the gaming hall of the Puerto Varas casino will feature the entire team, including their oldest member, Eduardo Macuada, a guitarist with 49 years in the group; Edson Núñez, double bass and musical director, and his brother Ángel, host and chorus, both sons of "Chagüa" with 40 years and 27 years of tenure respectively.
Franco Cortés, keyboardist and arranger for three decades; Pedro Barraza, vocalist since 2002; Élder Núñez, grandson of Chagüa, who has been on percussion and vocals for non-cumbia songs for 15 years; Francisco Contreras on the Huira; and Juan Donaire on timbales and drums with 12 years of history in the musical group. "It will be a show where we will relive those beautiful moments of life, those unforgettable parties. We put on a very entertaining show that not only includes songs.
We have fun with the people, play with the audience, give away gifts, always with the aim of encouraging everyone to enjoy the musical school of cumbia and guitar in Chile," concluded Ángel Núñez. The show will start after 10:00 PM, and access is free with entry to the casino.