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The composer Enrique Bonne Castillo, creator of the pilón rhythm and author of more than 200 compositions that enriched genres such as bolero, son, and cha-cha-chá, passed away this Tuesday in Santiago de Cuba at the age of 98, leaving an indelible legacy in the island's music.
Beatriz Johnson, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Santiago de Cuba, shared the news on her social media, highlighting emblematic works such as “Any Uncle Can Die” and “Give Me Your Hand and Let’s Walk.”
Bonne was also awarded the National Music Award in 2016, the Television Award in 2018, and the title of “Illustrious Son of Santiago de Cuba,” the leader emphasized.
“Please extend our heartfelt condolences to your family and friends on behalf of the people of Santiago de Cuba,” he emphasized.
Johnson celebrated last June, on the social media platform X, the 98th birthday of the Maestro: “One of the greats of Cuban culture, Maestro Enrique Bonne, turns 98. You are a pride of Santiago de Cuba.”
Journalist Anolvis Cuscó Tarradell reported on Facebook that Bonne passed away this Tuesday at 8:15 a.m., "after 32 days of hospitalization at the Juan Bruno Zayas Surgical Teaching Hospital in the City of Heroes, after fighting for his life against bronchopneumonia and leukemia, an illness he had been suffering from for several years."
"He passed away in his City of Heroes, eyes closed but with the same kind and relaxed face, half-smiling, with which he welcomed visitors on Calle D between 4th and Avenida del reparto Sueño, in his modest home where he proudly displayed his piano and his old drums. He never wanted to leave this place, even as the winds of Havana blew," he expressed.
Additionally, he highlighted that Enrique Bonne was born on June 15, 1926, in San Luis, a municipality in Santiago de Cuba, “and he leaves us a legacy of more than 200 musical works. He received the National Music Award in 2016 and the equivalent award in Television in 2018. He deserved these honors long before,” emphasized the journalist, underlining a long-standing demand from Santiago artists and intellectuals, who for years unsuccessfully called for these recognitions to be awarded to the Maestro much earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions about Enrique Bonne and His Legacy in Cuban Music
Who was Enrique Bonne and what was his contribution to Cuban music?
Enrique Bonne Castillo was a Cuban composer renowned for creating the pilón rhythm and for his over 200 compositions that enriched genres such as bolero, son, and cha-cha-chá. His legacy left an indelible mark on Cuban music.
What awards and recognitions did Enrique Bonne receive throughout his career?
Enrique Bonne was awarded the National Music Prize in 2016 and the Television Prize in 2018, in addition to being recognized as "Illustrious Son of Santiago de Cuba."
What are some of Enrique Bonne's most iconic compositions?
Among Enrique Bonne's most notable works are "A cualquiera se le muere un tío" and "Dame la mano y caminemos." These compositions are considered emblematic in his career.
What was the end of Enrique Bonne's life like?
Enrique Bonne passed away at the age of 98 in Santiago de Cuba after battling bronchopneumonia and leukemia. He spent his final days hospitalized at the Juan Bruno Zayas Teaching Surgical Hospital.
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