Uruguayan Music Legend Ruben Rada Passes Away at 83

Ruben Rada, a towering figure in Uruguayan music, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83 in Montevideo, following a month-long battle with pneumonia. His family shared the news on social media, confirming his death at 3:30 PM.

Born on July 16, 1943, Rada's illustrious six-decade career was rooted in candombe, an Afro-Uruguayan musical tradition recognized by UNESCO in 2009. He revolutionized the genre by blending it with rock, jazz, and funk, helping to elevate it to global recognition.

A member of influential groups like El Kinto and Tótem, Rada was instrumental in creating a unique sound that incorporated electric instruments into traditional candombe. His solo career began in 1969 with the hit album Las Manzanas, leading to numerous popular songs such as "Mi país" and "Muriendo de plena." He was also recognized with a Latin Grammy in 2011 for his contributions to music.

Despite his illness, Rada remained active, working on new projects and performances before his passing. He once expressed his desire for his music to endure, stating, "I want to leave a lot of music behind, and for it to always be there, around, for whoever wants to listen."

Source: en.mercopress.com