Peruvian cumbia singer Gian Marco Arroyo has reflected on choosing his own musical career rather than taking over the orchestra of his father, José Luis Arroyo.
Arroyo, a native of Tingo María who leads the orchestra Gian Marco y su Bella Ilusión, spoke about the emotional weight of carrying a prominent family surname while building an independent path in the Peruvian cumbia scene.
His father, José Luis Arroyo, widely known by his stage name El Lobo, is a veteran musician who heads the popular Peruvian cumbia group La Sociedad Privada.
Forging an Independent Musical Path
Gian Marco Arroyo launched his own orchestra on September 23, 2015, after stepping away from performing alongside his father. Rather than taking over La Sociedad Privada, the younger artist chose to form Gian Marco y su Bella Ilusión to build a career from the ground up.
He explained that he deliberately incorporated the phrase Bella Ilusión into the group's name to protect his project from being judged solely by his family surname. While acknowledging that the Arroyo name opens doors, he noted that it also attracts critics who attempt to create obstacles for his orchestra.
The singer emphasized that he is not bothered by the nickname Lobito, a moniker he has carried since birth in reference to his father. He expressed pride in his father's standing, describing him as an exemplary parent, son, brother, and family man who achieved everything through sheer hard work and sacrifice.
Family Support and Early Musical Training
Arroyo began his singing career at five years old, receiving foundational musical training from his father to hone his vocal talent. Over the years, he has performed popular cumbia tracks including Disfruto and Las puertas de mi corazón.
When Arroyo first told his father that he intended to start his own band, the senior musician initially expressed deep concern. Knowing the sacrifices, mistreatment, and harsh looks that emerging artists face in the music industry, his father hesitated to see him venture out alone.
Now a parent himself, Arroyo said he understands why his father worried and was reluctant to let him go, explaining that he would feel the same way about his own daughter. He expressed profound emotional gratitude that his father ultimately allowed him to pursue his independence out of love.
Arroyo noted that both he and his father share a deep mutual understanding of the struggles they endured to reach their respective positions. He considers himself his father's primary fan and uses his father's dedication as a blueprint for achieving success.
Handling Public Pressure and Responsibility
As the eldest son, Arroyo acknowledged feeling the weight of constant public comparisons between his work and his father's legacy. However, he explained that open family discussions at home have helped the siblings process scrutiny with maturity.
He added that public figures must accept that they cannot please everyone, emphasizing the importance of showing warmth to the public if an artist expects affection in return.
Arroyo also underscored his awareness of how his personal conduct and professional choices reflect on his father's career. Stating that the entertainment environment offers numerous temptations, he affirmed his commitment to remaining disciplined and making correct decisions to protect their family name.
Viral Breakthrough and Original Compositions
Gian Marco y su Bella Ilusión achieved nationwide prominence across Peru through their cumbia version of Disfruto, a track written by Mexican singer-songwriter Carla Morrison.
Although Arroyo recorded the cover in 2017, the song became a national phenomenon years later after going viral on social media platforms. Arroyo highlighted that he was the first artist to adapt the song into cumbia, while noting that he respects other groups that subsequently released their own versions.
Addressing the current trend of recording cover versions in cumbia, Arroyo clarified that his focus remains on building a catalog of original music. His band has recorded original pieces composed by notable songwriters such as Lucho Zambrano, José Celada, and Orlin Rodríguez.
He concluded by noting that his full catalog of original Peruvian cumbia tracks is available for audiences on YouTube under his orchestra's official name.
