Panamanian music icon Dagoberto ‘Yin’ Carrizo dies at 87

Panama’s traditional music community is mourning Dagoberto “Yin” Carrizo, the accordionist and composer remembered as “The Singer of the Homeland.” He died on Monday, Sept. 7, at the age of 87.

Born in Ocú, in Herrera province, Carrizo began his relationship with the accordion at a young age. In an interview with TVN Noticias several years ago, he recalled buying his first instrument at a shop called La Victoria on Avenida B for just 13 dollars.

His love for Panama entered his music early. At 13, he composed “Viva Panamá,” one of his best-known works and a song he enjoyed hearing performed by younger generations. He also wrote “Lucy” for his daughter, as well as “Julia” and other pieces that helped establish his place in the country’s traditional music.

Over a career spanning decades, Carrizo became a reference point for Panamanian music and a defender of the country’s cultural traditions. His work left a mark that reached beyond his own generation.

The Ministry of Culture expressed its condolences and called Carrizo a fundamental figure in Panama’s traditional music. “We deeply mourn the death of Dagoberto ‘Yin’ Carrizo, a renowned Panamanian musician, accordionist and composer, a fundamental figure in our traditional music,” the institution said. It added that his artistic legacy and invaluable contribution to culture would remain in the memory of generations of Panamanians.

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We deeply mourn the death of Dagoberto ‘Yin’ Carrizo, a renowned Panamanian musician, accordionist and composer, a fundamental figure in our traditional music.