Death of Rubén Rada, one of the pioneers of Latin American music

Uruguayan musician Ruben Rada, one of the most prominent pioneers of Latin American music and a Grammy Award winner in 2011, died at the age of 83 following pneumonia. President Yamandú Orsi praised Rada’s life, describing him as a “genius,” and announced a period of national mourning.

Born in 1943, Rada reshaped Uruguayan music by blending candombe, an African musical heritage, with rock and jazz. He released more than 40 albums and became a prominent figure among African-descendant communities in his country.

Following the announcement of his death by his family, around a thousand people gathered in a street in Barrio Sur, a neighborhood that serves as a center for candombe culture in Montevideo, to play drums and celebrate his legacy.

Musician John Flittas, 48, told Agence France-Presse: “Rada has always been proud of his African roots and represented us around the world. I am proud of him and very grateful to him.”