Big Pollo, the Lima-based ensemble, have unveiled their live album Live In The UK in 2026. Founded in 2005 by Renato “Tato” Elera, the group’s current line-up features Tato on vocals, Milky Fresh on bass, Jose Timarchi on guitar, and Bruno Timarchi on drums. Pioneers of Chichafunky, Big Pollo fuse Latin funk, soul, Afro-Peruvian rhythms, and the psychedelic textures of Peruvian cumbia, forging a groove-driven sound that evokes James Brown colliding with Chacalón in a reimagined Latin Funkadelic landscape. What began as a musical experiment has grown into a movement that both honours and redefines Peru’s musical legacy, resonating far beyond national borders. With seven studio and live albums, including La Chichafunky (2023) and San Bartolo Chill (2026), and tours spanning Europe and the United States, highlighted by appearances at Boomtown Fair and a 2025 UK anniversary tour, Big Pollo have established themselves through performances marked by technical prowess, charismatic stagecraft, and infectious energy.
Live In The UK distills the essence of Big Pollo’s acclaimed live shows, spotlighting fan favourites such as ‘Chicha Supersónica’ alongside a bold reimagining of The Beatles’ ‘Come Together’. The album channels the kinetic energy, improvisational spark, and tight musical interplay that have shaped their performances for more than two decades. Their rhythmic drive and melodic inventiveness invite listeners beyond language, transforming each set into a collective celebration on the dancefloor.
Chichafunky stands as more than a genre; it is a convergence of the cultural forces that have shaped modern Peru, from Andean and Amazonian roots to urban migration, psychedelic visual culture, and evolving Latin identity. As principal ambassadors of this sound, Big Pollo have introduced Chichafunky to audiences worldwide. This summer, the band will perform at Tropical Pressure Festival and WOMAD UK, joined by guest artists Gregorio Merchán, Carlos “Kanti” Saldaña, Omar Ríos, and Las Chanchas. Continuing to expand their reach across the UK, Big Pollo’s distinctive sound, deep-rooted identity, and spirit of communal celebration continue to connect with diverse audiences.
Stream Live In The UK:
Upcoming UK Dates
10 July — Tropical Pressure Festival, Cornwall
25 July — WOMAD UK, Wiltshire
29 July — The Fox & Firkin, London (Big Pollo ft. Las Chanchas)
31 July — Stramash, Edinburgh (Big Pollo ft. Las Chanchas)
