ASÍ LOS DESTRUYERON ¿QUÉ PASÓ CON LOS WACHITURROS?

Los Wachiturros was one of the most popular bands in Argentina and South America in 2011 thanks to their hit song “Tírate un paso” (Take a Step). TÍRATE UN PASO These young men caused a sensation with their catchy lyrics and unique dance moves. Their striking style led them to perform in various countries across the Americas and Europe. The members were only 16 years old when they started getting airplay on Argentine radio and appearing on several television programs. Who were the members of Los Wachiturros and how did they achieve fame? Los Wachiturros was initially made up of Leonel Lencinas and Brian Romero. They attended primary school together in the city of Morón, Buenos Aires. They also frequented nightclubs on weekends and were known as the ‘wachines’ (kids) because of their youth and mischievousness. During one of his visits to the Pinar de Rocha club, cumbia music producer Javier Fernández, known as ‘Bazoka’, noticed them and contacted them to perform as dancers on the television program “Pasión de sábado” (Saturday Passion). The show's producers, Pablo and Adrián Serantoni, were impressed by the young men's dancing and mentioned to Fernández the impact they could have if they formed a band. In response, ‘Bazoka’ created the popular song “Tírate un paso” (Take a Step) and presented them the following Saturday on the same television program. That's how they played and danced the song for the first time, a song that became a huge hit in the region. After gaining popularity, auditions were held to add more dancers. Gonzalo Muñoz, Lucas Caballero, Emmanuel Guidone, and Simón Gaete joined, although the latter left shortly after to form his own group. The band's unusual name comes from the term "wachines," referring to the young age of the group members, and "turro," alluding to the style of clothing worn by the young dancers. After their appearance on the show "Pasión de sábado," their musical success began not only in Argentina but also in other parts of the continent. They toured several countries and even performed in Europe. But despite achieving fame, today they are almost forgotten… What happened to the members of Los Wachiturros? When they started dancing and singing, the members of Los Wachiturros were between 15 and 18 years old. Currently, 12 years after that boom, the young men are 27 or 30 years old. But what happened to each of them? We'll tell you below. LUCAS CABALLERO Lucas joined Los Wachiturros and was known as "KAKÁ." He currently has a 2-year-old daughter and lives in the city of Belgrano. He works as a water delivery driver and regularly attends his local evangelical church, the Jesus Is Here Ministry. GONZALO MUÑOZ Gonzalo Muñoz sells chicken and has worked at the same factory for over 11 years. However, Gonzalo continued his music career and currently has a YouTube channel where he posts his productions. Unfortunately, during a performance in Bolivia, the singer had an accident that nearly killed him after he fell off the stage and had to undergo emergency surgery after hitting his head. In April 2022, he stated on an Argentine news program that the Lacoste brand paid his manager to stop the band members from wearing their clothing, but we'll talk about that later. EMMANUEL GUIDONE Emmanuel Guidone, also known as DJ Memo, was accused in 2012 of abusing a minor. But after months without any incriminating evidence, he was ultimately acquitted. However, this accusation ruined the reputation of all the Wachiturros and sank the group. And what about the rest of Los Wachiturros? Well, after 11 years since they first reunited, four former members of Los Wachiturros decided to revive the musical group by releasing the song "Turreo" in 2022. Gonzalo Muñoz, Emmanuel Guidone, Brian Romero, Leonel Lencinas, and even Simon Gaete, who rejoined the group, stated that they started playing together again after realizing that the public still remembers them fondly. Now, for what you've been waiting for: Did Lacoste pay Los Wachiturros to stop wearing their clothes? In an interview, Gonzalo revealed that it was true the French company Lacoste paid them to stop wearing their clothing. In an attempt to maintain its market niche and prevent counterfeiting of its products, Lacoste did, indirectly, pay them in 2011. This wasn't to promote their luxury brand, but rather to stop them from wearing it, as confirmed by Muñoz. However, the singer made it clear that he didn't receive the money himself; it was received by his manager. He also mentioned that other brands took a chance on them.