Manzanita y su Conjunto, founded in 1969 by Peruvian guitarist Berardo "Manzanita" Hernández, played a pivotal role in shaping Peruvian cumbia by blending Cuban guaracha rhythms with electrifying guitar lines. Originating from Trujillo and later moving to Lima, Manzanita's innovative style set him apart in the 1970s music scene. The band's acclaimed albums, "El Nuevo Sonido de Manzanita" (1973) and "Manzaneando con Manzanita" (1974), are celebrated as masterpieces of tropical music. After Manzanita's passing in 2007, his son, Berardo Hernández Jr., continued the legacy, leading the group under the name Manzanita Jr. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manzanita_y_su_Conjunto?utm_source=openai))