The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed his condolences on his social media for the passing of José Luis Quintana "Changuito", the legendary Cuban percussionist and founder of the orchestra Los Van Van.
"I want to extend my condolences to the personal and musical family for the passing of the great percussionist Changuito, founder of Van Van, creator of the songo and virtuoso on the timbales and congas, whose work is respected and recognized worldwide," the leader wrote this Saturday on his account on X.
The hypocrisy of the publication did not go unnoticed by Cubans who were aware of the critical situation in which Changuito passed away, who lived in precarious conditions and faced serious health issues that worsened since 2022, when he lost a leg due to delays in his hospital admission.
"You always arrive late, that glory died forgotten like almost all glories, you do not spend time with your children in foreign universities," denounced an internet user.
Another also emphasized that Changuito died alone and "rotting in a Cuban hospital without any medical attention and without medication."
Despite his status as a key figure in Cuban culture, the situation of the percussionist was ignored for a long time by state institutions, which only responded after pressure on social media.
You let him die in misery despite everything you publish; this shows the shamelessness of that system that pretends to be humane and is a gang of criminals who do not care about their people," pointed out another person following Díaz-Canel's post.
The passing of the musician, despite the delicate state of health in recent years, has caused a profound impact on the Cuban artistic community.
Last year, the musician Giraldo Piloto requested assistance for the renowned percussionist, who didn’t even have a refrigerator, and essential elements in his home, such as the door and roof, were in terrible condition.
Born on January 18, 1948, in Casablanca, Havana, Changuito is regarded as one of the greatest Cuban percussionists of all time. He received his nickname in 1964 from the pianist, director, and composer Felipe Dulzaides while he was part of the pop-rock group Los Armónicos.
He was not only an innovator of rhythm but also a generous teacher. His educational work spanned universities in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the United States, training a new generation of world-class percussionists.
His technique and creativity have made him worthy of multiple awards, including three Grammys, and his name is listed among the greats of drumming, alongside legends like Tata Güines and Giovanni Hidalgo.
Frequently Asked Questions about Changuito's Death and the Situation of Artists in Cuba
Who was José Luis Quintana "Changuito"?
José Luis Quintana, known as "Changuito," was a legendary Cuban percussionist. Born on January 18, 1948, in Casablanca, Havana, he was one of the founders of the iconic orchestra Los Van Van and developed the innovative rhythm known as "songo." His technique and creativity earned him multiple awards, including three Grammys, and he is considered one of the greatest Cuban percussionists of all time.
What was Changuito's situation like before his death?
Changuito lived in precarious conditions and suffered from serious health problems. Since 2022, his situation worsened when he lost a leg due to a delay in his hospital admission. Despite his status as a key figure in Cuban culture, his situation was overlooked by state institutions until social media raised awareness of his case.
What criticisms has the Cuban government received following the death of Changuito?
The Cuban government has been criticized for abandoning Changuito in his final years. Users on social media have accused the regime of hypocrisy, as despite publicly mourning his death, they did not provide the necessary support to the musician during his life, reflecting a pattern of neglect towards Cuban artists in their old age.
Why has Changuito's death had such an impact in Cuba?
The death of Changuito has had a profound impact due to his musical legacy and the circumstances surrounding his passing. He was a key figure in Cuban music, respected internationally, and his death under conditions of neglect has sparked criticism regarding the treatment of Cuba's most influential artists by the government.
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