Formed in 1971, the Chilean folk ensemble Illapu originated with brothers Andrés, José Miguel, Jaime, and Roberto Márquez Bugueño at its core. Following the addition of Osvaldo Torres, the traditional act began extensive tours throughout Chile and issued its initial release, Illapu, Música Andina, during 1972. The group, whose name derives from an aboriginal term signifying a flash of lightning, specialized in folklore andino and earned acclaim at the Viña del Mar festival in February 1973 before taking the stage at various locations in Bolivia and Argentina. An innovative theatrical production titled El Grito de la Raza integrated their music with acting and dance elements. The 1976 album Despedida del Pueblo included the enduring folk track "Candombe Para José," which emerged as one of the band's signature anthems. Accusations of fomenting opposition to the Chilean regime led to exile upon their return from a European tour in 1980, after which they resided in France and Mexico for ten years before coming back. Seven platinum certifications greeted the 1993 effort En Estos Dias and its prominent single "Lejos del Amor."
