Peruvian entertainer Pablo Villanueva, widely known as Melcochita, has been honoured with a fiberglass bust and a street mural in his birthplace of La Victoria.
The recognition celebrates his 90th birthday and his long career in Peruvian music and comedy, coming just days before his announced farewell concert.
The main tribute was a bust installed in Chicama Park in La Victoria. The sculpture was crafted from fiberglass by artist Raúl Franco and unveiled during a public ceremony attended by Villanueva and the mayor of La Victoria, Rubén Cano.
Villanueva, who celebrated his 90th birthday on September 17, expressed deep emotion during the event in the district that forms a central part of his personal history.
Honour in Chicama Park
Speaking at the unveiling, Villanueva said the gesture would remain in his heart for the rest of his life until he speaks with death. He also noted that his 90th birthday had been the best of his life because of the surprise organized by the district.
The tribute extended into urban art with a colourful mural painted on the second block of Rivas Street. Designed by Antonio Díaz, the artwork features his famous phrase ¡No vayan!, which translates to Don't go!
The catchphrase became one of the main trademarks of his comedic style, widely recognized by Peruvian audiences through his television appearances and live performances over several decades.
Urban tribute and career background
Villanueva is one of Peru's most recognizable cultural figures, celebrated both as a comic actor and as a sonero singer. Over a career spanning more than 60 years, he earned acclaim across Latin America for his salsa performances while maintaining a popular comedy career on national television.
La Victoria, a central district of Lima where Villanueva was born, is renowned for its cultural heritage and deep ties to Afro-Peruvian music and salsa. The district frequently recognizes prominent artists who have contributed to its musical legacy.
As a sonero, a lead salsa vocalist known for improvising lyrics during performances, Villanueva collaborated with leading musicians from Peru and Cuba throughout his career.
Farewell concert in Surco
The ceremony in La Victoria takes place shortly before a major milestone event for the entertainer, who is preparing his final stage performance.
His farewell concert is scheduled for September 26 at the Friendship Park Convention Centre, known in Spanish as the Centro de Convenciones del Parque de la Amistad.
The event will feature a broad gathering of prominent musicians and orchestras. Scheduled performers include Peruvian salsa singers Daniela Darcourt, Brunella Torpoco, César Vega, and Alex Ramírez.
They will be joined by Peruvian musical groups Camagüey and Septeto Acarey, as well as the Cuban orchestra La Charanga Habanera.
