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Two First Nations men cover iconic song on pan pipes and get over 23M views
With over 1,500 separate recordings, it's one of the most-covered songs of our time. And yet I've still never heard it covered in this way before.
Harper Gillis
06.23.23

“Unchained Melody” is a song that you may have heard many times.

And it always touches your heart.

While most people think of the Righteous Brothers’ version, there have been numerous other musicians who covered this ballad over the years.

Elvis, Neil Diamond, U2, Norah Jones, and many others have put their own spin on “Unchained Melody.”

Facebook - Inka Gold
Source:
Facebook - Inka Gold

Have you ever listened to “Unchained Melody” played on a pan flute?

Inka Gold, a duo of brothers, combines modern music with culture and tradition. Their unique rendition of the song has been appreciated by people all around the world.

Inka Gold is a musical group formed by Oscar Andres and Pablo Santiago Morales Vega.

They were born in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador but now live in New Mexico.

Their talent is unbelievable.

Facebook - Inka Gold
Source:
Facebook - Inka Gold

From a young age, both Oscar and Santiago developed their musical skills.

Oscar became skilled at playing the pan flutes, while Santiago excelled with string instruments.

As children, they performed in front of big audiences and even went on a music tour in Europe.

After the tour, Oscar went to the United States, where Inka Gold has been performing since 1998.

Santiago joined him in 2000.

Facebook - Inka Gold
Source:
Facebook - Inka Gold

Inka Gold integrates Incan heritage into its music.

According to their website, Inka Gold says:

“Inka Gold continues to perform the traditional music of their grand fathers while using traditional instruments to create and perform contemporary pieces.”

In addition to creating original music and covering traditional pieces, they’ve brought their style to a variety of favorites such as “The Sound of Silence,” “Amazing Grace,” “Oh Holy Night” and “Hallelujah.”

Facebook - - Inka Gold
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Facebook - - Inka Gold

One of their videos became extremely popular online. It was a performance of the timeless 1955 classic.

“Unchained Melody”

In the video, the brothers are seen on a small stage, each with their own instrument. Oscar plays the pan flute, while Santiago strums the acoustic guitar.

Oscar starts playing his bamboo flute and the melody fills the air.

YouTube Screenshot - Inka Gold
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Inka Gold

It’s truly an “Unchained” melody, composed of beautiful and haunting sounds.

Inka Gold’s rendition doesn’t require lyrics.

The music elicits chills on its own.

The unique blend of instruments adds a captivating twist that leaves people breathless.

YouTube Screenshot - Inka Gold
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Inka Gold

The pan flute is mesmerizing to hear.

It may not be a commonly heard instrument, but it’s undeniably beautiful.

It is made up of closed tubes of various lengths and sizes. According to the group’s website, Oscar takes pleasure in sharing his love for Andean flute music with people all around the world.

YouTube Screenshot - Inka Gold
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Inka Gold

He says, “My music is the bridge between cultures; I hope that everyone who listens to it can feel the peace and strength of the Incan people.”

Let’s not forget the influence of strings.

In their performance of “Unchained Melody,” Santiago brings an amazing guitar solo.

It’s amazing to watch his fingers swiftly plucking the strings and the beautiful music it creates.

YouTube Screenshot - Inka Gold
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Inka Gold

After a while, Oscar joins in again to complete the song. Among the many artists who have covered “Unchained Melody,” this particular rendition stands out in a unique manner.

Since it was posted, the video has amassed an incredible 23 million views and counting.

Hear the Incan soul pouring out of ‘Unchained Melody’ through the pan flute in the video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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