The tragic death of Cuban salsa singer Pablo Alfonso Fernández Gallo, popularly known as Paulito FG, in a traffic accident in Havana on March 1, has sparked reactions from Cuban artists and musicians on social media who have sent their condolences to family, friends, and loved ones.
Many of them recalled the moments when they shared the stage, and his legacy to Cuban music.
Alexander Abreu, leader of the group Havana D' Primera, wrote on his Instagram: "Paulo FG has just passed away. I will never have enough life to thank you. You were and will always be the driving force behind everything I have done in my life. Go with God and rest in peace. You are the best of all. This blow is going to leave marks on me. I love you so much, buddy. Light."
The Cuban singer and producer based in Miami, Dale Pututi, reminisced about the times when he was part of his orchestra: “Man, I can’t believe this. I spent four years learning with you and we always clashed, me with my youthful ideas and you with your own things, but I learned so much from you, I'm eternally grateful for those years. Honestly, I can't believe this, may God keep you in glory Paulino, the speculation of Havana.”
The Cuban duo Buena Fe also expressed their condolences on Facebook: "Goodbye Paulo FG. Man and friend. Elegant and a gentleman. You brought joy to our country and the world without vulgarity and with respect for traditions. Great artist. Rest in peace Paulito Fernández Gallo."
“Brother, the news is very sad; you have gone to a better life, and we will always remember your music. You will always be one of the stars of Cuban music. We grew up enjoying your voice and your music, which will remain forever,” shared on Instagram the singer and songwriter Lenier Mesa.
“Rest in peace, maestro, your music will always be with us,” assured the young artist Diván on his profile.
El Yonki also shared a condolence message on social media: "Rest in peace to one of the toughest salsa musicians from my country. May Olodumare cover you with His mantle. Thank you for your music, and my condolences to your family."
Osmani García wanted to remember him with a video of one of those many moments that the Cuban audience enjoyed with Paulito FG on stage: “It was an honor to grow alongside you on the stage EPD ‘Speculation of Havana’. A giant among giants. The singer that we all once aspired to be. Thanks to Paulo FG, I traveled outside of Cuba for the first time to Cali, Colombia, I got my first cellphone, and my papers to become a solo singer. That’s how I managed to obtain the permission to work solely by singing during the dictatorship. Many of my first great joys were thanks to Paulo FG. May he rest in peace, a giant among giants forever. Good music immortalizes.”
Enrique Álvarez, director of La Charanga Latina, expressed on his social media: “Rest in peace, brother. Your departure leaves us with a huge void. It’s very sad to hear of your passing. Paulito FG forever.”
The Cuban actress and singer Rebeca Martínez expressed her dismay upon hearing the sad news: “Still in disbelief... Just a few days ago, with her charisma, her voice, that distinctive style, she made the audience resonate at the salsa festival. One of the best representatives of Cuban music. We will miss you so much.”
"It's very sad to know that you are no longer physically with us, but I carry with me many wonderful memories, like when I built the angels of La Habana in 2002, and you gifted me the first bass for the orchestra along with all the advice you gave me to achieve success in my musical career. Today, we lost the most popular artist in Cuba, undoubtedly the overwhelming force of salsa, the horse; we all owe you so much. Today, we are artists thanks to you, and for many, you were a source of inspiration. Rest in peace," was the heartfelt message shared on social media by Dayrán Perdomo.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death of Paulito FG and Its Impact on Cuban Music
How did Paulito FG pass away?
Paulito FG passed away in a traffic accident on the Malecón in Havana on March 1, 2025, when the car he was traveling in was struck by a Transtur bus.
What impact did the death of Paulito FG have on the Cuban artistic community?
The death of Paulito FG caused great shock in the Cuban artistic community. Artists such as Alexander Abreu, Dale Pututi, and Buena Fe expressed their condolences and remembered his legacy as one of the most influential salsa musicians of the past few decades.
What legacy did Paulito FG leave in Cuban music?
Paulito FG is remembered as an icon of Cuban music, known for blending salsa with other genres such as rock, ballads, and jazz. His band, La Élite, and his hits like "El bueno soy yo" and "Con la conciencia tranquila" are part of his musical legacy.
Filed under:
