Peruvian Cumbia Mourns Loss of Innovator Teófilo Quiroga

Agua Marina Orchestra Founder Passes Away at 92

The vibrant world of Peruvian cumbia is in mourning following the death of Teófilo Quiroga, the visionary founder of the renowned Agua Marina Orchestra. He passed away on the evening of July 19th in his hometown of Sechura, Piura.

A Pillar of Peruvian Music Departs

Sources close to the Quiroga family confirmed that Teófilo Quiroga Rumiche, aged 92, succumbed to cardiac arrest. His passing has led to the immediate suspension of all Agua Marina Orchestra performances, including a scheduled show in Chimbote.

The beloved patriarch’s remains were honored at his home on Bolívar Street in Sechura, where countless relatives and devoted fans gathered to pay their final respects. A musical tribute is slated for Monday in his memory.

Quiroga Rumiche‘s last public performance with the orchestra was in March 2025, marking the closing festivities of the Sechura carnivals. He celebrated his 92nd birthday surrounded by his sons, José and Manuel Quiroga Querevalú.

Musical Community Unites in Grief

Tributes have poured in from across the Peruvian cumbia scene. Grupo 5 expressed its condolences to the Quiroga Querevalú family and the Agua Marina Orchestra, sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram.

“We will remember with great affection the great human being, generous and charismatic musical entrepreneur, an exemplary patriarch of a prestigious and talented family, whom in life we had the opportunity to thank him for his support, teachings and invaluable contribution to Cumbia in Peru.”

—Grupo 5

The orchestra Orquesta Papillón also shared their sentiments, acknowledging Quiroga‘s legacy.

“A visionary who, with effort and passion, built one of the greatest pillars of the Peruvian cumbia. The cumbia of Peru pays tribute!”

—Orquesta Papillón

Other prominent groups such as Corazón Serrano and La Única Tropical have also extended their sympathies to Agua Marina and the Quiroga family, underscoring Teófilo Quiroga‘s profound impact on the genre.

The enduring influence of figures like Teófilo Quiroga is evident in the continued global popularity of cumbia, which saw over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify in 2023 alone (Billboard 2023).