by Marvin Ramirez
The renowned and remembered broadcaster, born in Costa Rica, Cesar Augusto “Chicho” Ruíz, who left unforgettable marks in the Nicaragua of the 70s, died this Thursday, Dec. 28 at the age of 76 of a heart attack in San José Costa Rica, after a brief hospitalization.
Chicho, as he was known in the radio showbiz, was one of the great entertainers and announcers of the 70s, 80s and 90s, a radio and commercial host, an entertainer of special events and an expert in rock music.
From a very young age he passionately entered the radio as a curious spectator and little by little he trained alongside masters of radio theater and news in a discipline that led him to record commercials, host gigantic concerts or inaugurate stations such as the remembered “Radio Uno”. , wrote journalist Erick Jarquín in SinartDigital.com.
His versatile voice became the hallmark of many commercial brands that recognized “Chicho” Ruiz as a creative and very talented announcer. Due to the experience acquired in Nicaragua, he dedicated much of his life to supporting national music by hosting large concerts for the “Derby” brand.
During his last years he dedicated himself to sales. He knew how to retire on time from the show and the stages, Jarquín wrote.
His legacy is incalculable, he inspired many radio fans to create imaginary spaces while recounting the origin of a soul song or a legendary Beatles melody. Among his radio adventures, the Oracle of the Caesars stood out, the founding of the tremendous Radio Uno, Radio Centro and of course his home Grupo Columbia.
His son César Ruíz gave the first news of his death on December 29 on his Facebook account, which spread through the Central American corners where Chicho left well-marked traces as a faithful disciple of rock music in broadcasting.
It was especially in Nicaragua before the earthquake that destroyed the capital Managua on December 23, 1972, which left 19,320 to 20,000 dead, more than 20,000 injured and more than 280,000 homeless, that Chicho stood out.
The composer and conductor, Luis Malespin, from his residence in Los Angeles, California, received the news with great sadness.
“It can’t be, no, it can’t be, if just a few weeks ago we spoke on the phone, we talked about his son and his wife who had moved with him, and that they were going to be together as a family and help each other financially, and that he “I felt good,” Malespín told the San Francisco, California, weekly newspaper El Reportero. “Before that we talked about music, Cali Alemán and things like that.”
For the former Nicaraguan avant-garde rock singer, Janet Barnes. Chicho was a kind, happy, friendly guy, who “came several times to eat vegetarian lunches that I made at (Music Masters drummer) Paladino, while we were listening to the Cardo & Nardo Show, Un Culto a la Dementia, on the old Managua.
Said Claudia ‘La China Claudia’ Ashby, a well-known character in the rock scene in old Managua: “I saw him in Nicaragua promoting Nicaraguan talents, especially musical groups, he was very happy, very dynamic, fun, bandit, he was a threat. Wherever he came, everyone was happy, because he was a very joy-giver, he had a very special voice.”
On one occasion, in a comment by journalist Edgard Barberena, “the words of Chicho Ruíz, in his radio program ‘El Oracle de Los Cesares'”, said that “the sound came from the depths of the earth…and we won that festival , and our name made its entry into the world of sound at that time and Bwana took his place within the local fan base.”
“His departure from him has left an immense void in our hearts,” said Caesar’s son. “Fly high Pa, I love you and miss you,” and he appreciated the expressions of affection and support in this difficult time. “Your thoughts and prayers for him are appreciated.”
His body was laid to rest on Friday, Dec. 29 at the Funeraria Vida in Paseo Colón, San José, Costa Rica, and on Saturday the 30th at 10 a.m. he received the religious service at Comunidad PAS.
(Reporting by Erick Jarquín contributed to this article.)
