Related videos:
The Cuban troubadour Eduardo Sosa Laurencio passed away in the early morning of Wednesday, February 12, in Guantánamo, at the age of 52, due to a hemorrhagic stroke he suffered on February 3, as reported by the Cuban Institute of Music (ICM).
The musician has been in critical condition since then and is hospitalized at the Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto General Teaching Hospital in the province of Guantánamo.
A career dedicated to trova
Born on April 18, 1972, in Tumba Siete, in the municipality of Mayarí Arriba, Santiago de Cuba province, Eduardo Sosa became involved with the amateur artists' movement at the age of 12.
During his time at the Frank País García Higher Pedagogical Institute, where he obtained his degree in Music Education, he distinguished himself in various competitions and events, marking the beginning of his professional career in music.
In 1997, he founded the duo Postrova with Ernesto Rodríguez, a project that soon attracted the attention of both critics and the public.
With this group, he recorded two albums under the labels Caribe Productions and EMI Odeón Spain.
Additionally, their music was part of the Cuban feature film Las profecías de Amanda, directed by Pastor Vega.
In 2003, he began his solo career, establishing himself as one of the most representative voices of contemporary Cuban trova.
He released four albums and won the Cubadisco Award in 2017 with Como si fueran mías, from the record label Colibrí.
His repertoire included iconic songs such as "Mountain Morning", "Sprout of the Mountains", "The Son of Contramaestre", and "I Like It, Compay".
In addition, he set verses by José Martí to music and created memorable versions of classics like "La Bayamesa."
For over a decade, he directed the International Trova Festival Pepe Sánchez in Santiago de Cuba. Additionally, he hosted the television program Entre manos, alongside Marta Campos, a space dedicated to promoting the genre.
He shared the stage with figures of Ibero-American music such as Ana Belén, Pablo Milanés, Silvio Rodríguez, Frank Fernández, José Luis Cortés, and José María Vitier.
In recognition of his career, he received honors such as the Alejo Carpentier Medal and the Distinction for National Culture.
In the political sphere, in 2023 he was elected as a deputy to the National Assembly of People's Power and, recently, he took on the vice presidency of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC).
His last battle
On February 3rd, while participating in the Theatrical Crusade and debates of the X Congress of the UNEAC in Guantánamo, Sosa suffered a massive stroke.
He underwent surgery that, according to the doctors, "achieved its objective," but did not fully resolve the issue.
In the following days, her condition worsened due to respiratory complications and acute kidney failure, which ultimately led to her passing.
Reactions to the premature death of Eduardo Sosa
The passing of the Cuban musician has generated a wave of sorrow among many of his colleagues.
"Life allowed me to share moments with Sosa, a troubadour to the core, a creole gentleman, always a dreamer, with exceptional vocal abilities, and what is also important: a great human being. Like many, I kept up with his evolution every day, hoping for a miracle," wrote Liuba María Hevia.
"Too young to leave with so much still to give. Today, we Cuban troubadours, wherever we are, are shaken by sorrow. How much grief this farewell brings, Cuban trova is in mourning!", he added.
Among the condolence messages, one of the most touching has been the heartfelt remembrance of Ernesto Rodríguez, Sosa's partner in the duo Postrova, who recounted their difficult beginnings.
"We went to Havana and took the typical photo at the Capitolio. We didn't even have a place to stay. Palomino arranged for us to play at the Gato Tuerto alongside César Portillo de la Luz. We slept for a few days on the malecón, until Palomino took you to Aunt Ondina's house and I went to my Aunt Nancy's. We did several radio and television programs, we didn't even have a demo to show," Rodríguez recalled in part of his extensive text.
"We went to Cubadisco and sang to many people amidst all the noise. You were singing in one ear and I in the other. Until El Tosco arrived, after playing the first few notes of 'Son de la loma,' he signaled for us to stop and said, 'come with me.' He took us to the headquarters of Caribbean Production, brought several cultural directors along, called the musicians from NG la Banda, and told them, 'you are going to hear an extraordinary duo.' He turned to us and said, 'now, boys, give it your all.'"
"Sosa, move forward, dear brother. I celebrate and will always celebrate your existence! Your children Claudia and Rafa can count on me. A big hug, compay", he concluded.
"I mourn the death of Eduardo Sosa, one of the most beautiful voices in Cuban music in recent years. I grieve the premature nature of his passing. My condolences to his family, friends in life, and in music. May he rest in peace," wrote music researcher Rosa Marquetti.
"EPD. Our brother has passed away! What deep sadness! Fly high, Eduardo Sosa! Cuban trovadors are in mourning!", wrote on social media the trovadora Heidi Igualada.
The Ministry of Culture of Cuba also expressed its condolences to the family, friends, and admirers of Sosa, highlighting his legacy in Cuban music and culture.
Among the farewell messages is one from Miguel Díaz-Canel.
During the days he was hospitalized, the Cuban Institute of Music and various media outlets provided updates on the artist's health status, while artists and fans sent messages of support and hope.
By decision of his family, Eduardo Sosa's body will be cremated.
He will be honored in the cinema of his hometown, Mayarí, and later at the Casa de la Trova in Santiago de Cuba.
Her ashes will be placed in the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, in the Path of the Troubadours, alongside legends like Pepe Sánchez and Compay Segundo.
Frequently asked questions about Eduardo Sosa’s legacy and his impact on Cuban music
Who was Eduardo Sosa and what was his contribution to Cuban music?
Eduardo Sosa was a prominent Cuban troubadour who established himself as one of the most representative voices of contemporary Cuban trova. His contribution to Cuban music included the founding of the duo Postrova and a successful solo career, where he combined his compositions with musical adaptations of verses by José Martí and renditions of classics like "La Bayamesa".
What was Eduardo Sosa's health condition before his passing?
Before his passing, Eduardo Sosa suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on February 3, 2025, which left him in critical condition. He remained hospitalized at the Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto General Teaching Hospital in Guantánamo, where he faced respiratory complications and acute renal failure, ultimately leading to his death on February 12, 2025.
What awards and recognitions did Eduardo Sosa receive throughout his career?
Throughout his career, Eduardo Sosa received several awards and honors, including the Cubadisco Award in 2017 for his album "Como si fueran mías" and recognitions such as the Alejo Carpentier Medal and the Distinction for National Culture. His album "Allá voy" was honored in 2018 in the Contemporary Song category at the Cubadisco Awards.
What reactions did the death of Eduardo Sosa provoke in the Cuban cultural sphere?
The death of Eduardo Sosa prompted a wave of sorrow among his colleagues and admirers. Artists such as Ernesto Rodríguez and Rosa Marquetti expressed their grief over the loss of one of the most beautiful voices in Cuban song. The Ministry of Culture of Cuba also conveyed its condolences, highlighting his legacy in Cuban music and culture.
Filed under:
