by the El Reportero‘s news services
Via Prensa Latina
Havana, Nov 21 – The Prime Minister of Cuba, Manuel Marrero, affirmed today that the national culture is mourning the death of Pablo Milanés (1943-2022) and expressed his condolences to family and friends.
Through his official Twitter account, Marrero lamented the death of the “renowned Cuban singer-songwriter, one of the founders of the Nueva Trova Movement.”
With great pain and sadness, we regret to inform you that the maestro Pablo Milanés has passed away this morning of November 22 in Madrid, the musician’s artistic office disclosed in a statement.
We are deeply grateful for all the expressions of affection and support, to all his family and friends, in these difficult times. May he rest in the love and peace that he has always transmitted. It will remain forever in our memory, said the official note.
The National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba also regretted the physical departure of one of the great Cuban troubadours of all time, and sends its condolences to family and friends.
Meanwhile, the Casa de las Américas cultural institution recalled “Pablo’s sacred ties with the House” and in particular with Haydée Santamaría, as expressed by Roberto Fernández Retamar.
The Cuban Music Recordings and Editions Company pointed out that Pablo will continue beating in his songs and in his legacy, which is and will be eternal.
On November 11, the National Music Award (2005) announced the suspension of his last work commitments due to health problems, associated with a series of recurring infections.
For a few days, the artist had been hospitalized in Madrid and was being treated for the effects related to the clinical situation caused by an oncohematological disease that he suffered for several years.
Considered one of the essential exponents of songwriting in Spanish, Milanés compiled a significant work for Cubans on the island and other borders in Latin America with a repertoire of more than 400 pieces.
Along with other greats such as Silvio Rodríguez and Noel Nicola, he was one of the founders of the Nueva Trova movement in Cuba and his songs are now part of the soundtrack of several generations inside and outside the Caribbean nation.
After hearing the news of his death, social networks have exploded with messages of pain and sadness.
The notable pianist and National Music Award winner Frank Fernández today extended his condolences for the physical departure of the singer-songwriter and trova icon in Cuba and Latin America Pablo Milanés, who died at the age of 79 in Madrid.
“One of the greatest voices of Cuban culture of all time has just died, as well as an extraordinary composer, guitarist and brother for life. I extend to his children, his wife Nancy and all his loved ones a big hug and my support in this moment of pain, Fernández declared on his social networks”.
