Our special guest for this edition is a folkloric singer from Paritilla, Pocri, in Los Santos Province. He has more than 40 years of artistic career and is responsible for creating a more modern and global dimension of Panamanian vernacular music. The musical legacy of the “Escorpion de Paritilla” as it is popularly known has transcended Panamanian frontiers to the point of running a Latin Grammy in 1996, being selected as King of the Carnival of Veracruz in Mexico and also Cultural Ambassador of the Republic of Panama. Osvaldo Ayala takes time out of his very busy schedule to talk with The Visitor – El Visitante about vernacular music, traditions and tourism in Panama.
Being from Paritilla, what do you feel led you to vernacular music, but also motivated you to expand your music to reach the entire country?
“Although I lived in Panama, every summer I was in Paritilla, since from the moment I finish the alcohol year in December. Vernacular music was heard there all day long, great music groups would play at the parties there, and as a boy I would listen to it, especially the accordionists, such masters like Dorindo Cardenas, Teresin Jaen, Seferino Nieto, Gin Carrizo and Alfredo Escudero among others. Listening to all these great accordion masters, I was stung by the taste of typical accordion music. When I went in to show business and at a professional level I wanted to make music that would reach all strata of Panamanian society, and thank God we have achieved it.”
What makes Los Santos different from the rest of the provinces that allows this region of the country to generate so much artistic talent?
“I would say that the fundamental thing in Los Santos Province is the love for folklore, traditions, and our vernacular music throughout the entire province. Also, festivals, such as the Guarare, which is the most important in folklore, include an accordion contest in Las Tablas, the Victorio Vergara Batista contest in Macaracas, and the Don Dorindo Cardenas contest at the Azuero Fair. All of this is very important for the people and sets Los Santos apart from the rest of the provinces, some of which are now holding these festivals where new accordion talents are showcased.”
You have been an ambassador of Panama at the international level, representing us in global events, which you feel is what most attracts the attention of the foreign people in Panama beyond its paradisiacal nature?
“In my experience as a cultural ambassador we have visited more than 27 countries around the world, people who know our country always tell us about the quality of host that Panamanian people are. No matter if is from lower or higher economic status, we always give a cheerful smile to all who come visit our country and that is very important. In addition, our natural beauties are added to the two oceans that bathe our country, also the Chiriqui Highlands, as well as the beautiful beaches are the best incentive for any tourist. Panama has a large quantity and variety of tourism offer. I think we have to improve the infrastructure in terms of hotels, facilities for those who visit us, especially when tourists go to the country area, especially towns that have their own special characteristics but some have problems with road access or basic services. like water or electricity.”
How music can help position Panama in people’s minds, just as mariachi is for Mexico, tango for Argentina or Reggae for Jamaica?.
“There is a popular saying that says “music is the language of the people”, we have offered our Panamanian music in many countries, we have traveled all over America from Canada to Chile. We have also travel to Europe to countries like Holland, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Germany, all are countries where we have taken Panamanian music. There are people who are aware of these events and for us it is a source of satisfaction to see people with Panamanian flags when we are playing our music, it is something very motivating for us. I believe that with music we understand each other in any language. The musical language is the main one.”
How do you see Panamanian tourism and what do you think we need to develop our real and honest potential?
“I think it is necessary to put a hand in tourism, especially in infrastructure because in addition to having beautiful and paradisiacal beaches such as those found in Pedasi, Bocas del Toro, Santa Catalina, San Blas, on the highway tourist must have access to what they call it in other countries: service islands, where you can find gas stations, handicrafts, food, basic facilities such as bathrooms, all of this must be improved so that the tourist who arrives in Panama and travels on our roads feels satisfied with everything in its path.”
If you had the opportunity to develop a tourism project linked to typical Panamanian music, what would you suggest, why and with which musicians would you do it?
“As a tourism project, I would love for Panama to host an international accordion event, this being the main instrument in vernacular popular music. I have participated in the Accordion Festival in San Antonio, Texas where accordionists from different countries of America and Europe arrive, attracting a large amount of tourism. I think that in Panama the Guarare Festival is very good, but it is a local event with Panamanian accordionists. I would say that an international call can be made for accordionist to come and perform at the Panama Accordion Festival. This would be very good for tourism and Panamanian musicians.”
Photos courtesy: Osvaldo Ayala
