The Impact of Victor Jara

Victor Jara was a hugely influential Chilean folk singer, songwriter, activist, and director who became a powerful voice speaking out against social injustice in Chile during the 1970s. His music and community impact included:

Giving voice to struggles and social issues – Much of Jara’s music highlighted the difficult living conditions, poverty, and political repression experienced by many Chileans. Songs like “Plegaria a un Labrador” (“Prayer to a Worker”) brought these issues to light.

Inspiring political activism – Jara’s politically-charged music and involvement in socialist politics, especially among student groups, helped motivate many to take action against the government. His songs promoted empowerment.
Building cultural pride – Jara emphasized indigenous Chilean folk music styles and instruments in his songs. This helped spur appreciation for Chile’s unique cultural identity during a turbulent political time.
Promoting unity – As both an artist and activist, Jara brought people together around shared social causes and built solidarity. Through his work touring small rural communities he was able to unite certain groups.

Photographed by: Robin Kirk

Victor Jara’s music was deeply influenced by events in Chile’s turbulent political history in the 1960s and early 70s. In the 1950s and 60s, there was an increase in poverty rates in Chile. Jara gave voice to struggling workers and farmers facing hardship. His message continues resonating with social justice movements in Latin America today. Jara helped give the marginalized a powerful voice. Jara also supported workers’ strikes and growing political activism of  groups in Chile during the 1960s, including university students. This inspired his progressive social activism.

Listen to Victor Jara’s “Te Recuerdo Amanda”

Victor Jara had a profound talent for lyrics that were both poetic and politically potent. He often wrote in the style and spirit of Chilean folk music, while infusing his songs with layered social commentary. For example, in his emblematic song “Manifiesto,” Jara employs metaphor and nature imagery that evokes both the beauty and hardship of life as a Chilean worker: “Yo no canto por cantar ni por tener buena voz, canto porque la guitarra tiene sentido y razón.” This translates to: “I don’t sing just for singing’s sake or to have a good voice I sing because my guitar has purpose and reason.” His guitar becomes a symbol of the Chilean working class finding its voice. Jara links his music directly to political activism. While the poetic lyrics stand powerfully alone, with the instruments and rhythms Jara has they become even more impactful. The words inspire, serving as weapons in the struggle for justice that defined Jara’s career.

Listen to Victor Jara’s “Manifiesto”

Resources:

Jara, Joan. “Victor Jara : Un Canto Truncado.” OSU Libraries Catalog, library.ohio-state.edu/record=b2091164. Accessed 14 Dec. 2023.

Jara, Joan. An Unfinished Song: The Life of Victor Jara. Ticknor & Fields, 1984.