Romanian rock mourns Radu Manafu, founding guitarist of 'Celelalte Cuvinte'

The Romanian rock scene is mourning the loss of Radu Manafu, a guitarist and founding member of the seminal band "Celelalte Cuvinte." The group, often hailed as carrying the torch of the legendary Phoenix band, announced Manafu's death on Thursday, June 11, through a heartfelt message on social media.

"Unfortunately, as of today, Radu Manafu is no longer among us," his bandmates wrote. "He remains the one who was with us from the beginning and with his soul until the last moment, even if circumstances made it difficult for him to appear on stage after the '90s. We will always keep his memory alive."

"Celelalte Cuvinte" emerged in Timișoara in late 1981, a period when Romania's rock music scene was still developing and stable bands were rare. Manafu, alongside Călin Pop and Ovidiu Roșu, formed the initial lineup. The band gained popularity through student concerts and festivals in the 1980s, eventually releasing official recordings via Electrecord during a challenging era for rock music under communist rule.

Despite the limited opportunities, "Celelalte Cuvinte" established itself as a significant force in Romanian rock, evolving from progressive rock to hard and alternative sounds. Manafu remained an active member until 1996, though he continued to contribute to recordings that became essential to the band's discography.

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Unfortunately, as of today, Radu Manafu is no longer among us. He remains the one who was with us from the beginning and with his soul until the last moment, even if circumstances made it difficult for him to appear on stage after the '90s. We will always keep his memory alive.