Widow of Harmony 10 Singer Paul Flores Reflects on Loss, Condemns Rising Violence in Peru
Carolina Jaramillo, the widow of beloved Peruvian cumbia singer Paul Flores, is navigating grief and advocating for justice as violence continues to plague the nation. Jaramillo recently shared a poignant glimpse into her life, marking the transition into 2026 with a family gathering honoring Flores’ memory and publicly condemning a recent attack in Chorrillos.
Jaramillo commemorated the approaching New Year with a carousel of family photos posted on social media, including an image of a portrait of Flores, affectionately known as ‘Russo’ within the Peruvian cumbia industry. The intimate gathering served as a moment of reflection on a difficult year, marked by the tragic loss of her husband.
“This year taught me things that I never thought I would learn,” Jaramillo shared in a heartfelt message accompanying the photos. “It broke me, it left me breathless, it forced me to be strong when all I wanted was to cry. I lost the love of my life and with him a part of me went (…) and it still hurts, every day.” She described 2025 as a year defined by “long silences, of smiles sustained with a tired soul, of nights in which only God and Paul know how much he cried.” Despite the profound sorrow, Jaramillo emphasized finding strength for her son and family, honoring Flores’ legacy. “Today I close this year with tears, yes, but also with faith, with gratitude for those who stayed… May the New Year 2026 give me peace, healing and a little calm for the soul. Happy new year to everyone,” she concluded.
The pain of Flores’ death remains raw, as he was fatally shot in March 2025 while traveling on the Harmony 10 tour bus. This tragedy occurred amidst a backdrop of increasing violence and extortion targeting musicians in Peru. Jaramillo has since become a vocal advocate against this escalating insecurity.
On October 8, Jaramillo publicly condemned an armed attack against Marine Water in the Chorrillos district, speaking to RPP’s The Air Rotary program. She expressed her outrage and placed blame on the government for failing to address the growing wave of violence. Marine Water had previously been among the first orchestras to publicly denounce citizen insecurity following Flores’ murder.
“Now I am not going to speak from hatred, I am here to speak from my pain, from the helplessness that we are experiencing today,” Jaramillo stated. “I experienced it with my husband. People think that one is calm because they caught those who did harm, but the truth is that justice is not seen.”
Harmony 10 itself marked its 53rd anniversary in July 2025 with a deeply emotional concert at the San Marcos stadium. The event served as a tribute to Flores, featuring performances of the orchestra’s classic hits – including “Tear for Tear,” “I Will Swear Not to Love You Anymore,” and “I Get Drunk for Your Love.” A particularly moving moment included a performance of “Pendejere,” the last song Flores recorded with Leslie Shaw, alongside a special rendition of “What I Wouldn’t Give” accompanied by a children’s choir and “I Don’t Want to Cry Anymore.”
Musicians from Harmony 10 remembered Flores with heartfelt words: “This is what you wanted. The show has to go on. We will always carry you in our hearts. Brother, friend… You were here recording with us and until now it is very difficult for us to know that you are not here. Wherever you are, we will always carry you in our hearts.”
Carolina Jaramillo shared a family photo next to Paul Flores on her social networks. | Source: Instagram
Jaramillo’s continued advocacy and public reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of violence and the enduring strength of family in the face of unimaginable loss.
