Uruguay mourns candombe legend Rubén Rada, who died at 83

Uruguay is officially mourning the loss of Rubén Rada, a legendary figure in the nation's music scene, who died at the age of 83. The singer, percussionist, and composer, celebrated for his fusion of candombe, jazz, and rock, succumbed to pneumonia and its complications after a month-long illness.

The Uruguayan government has declared an official day of mourning, ordering the national flag to fly at half-mast. Funeral honors will be paid to Rada at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, a testament to his profound impact on Uruguayan culture. Born in Montevideo on July 16, 1943, Rada began his musical journey at age ten with the candombe group Morenada, later joining influential bands like Los Hot Blowers and El Kinto Conjunto.

Rada's illustrious career was recognized with a Latin Grammy for Excellence in 2011. Famously, he once misplaced his Grammy award, later paying for a replica. His hits, including 'Las Manzanas' and 'Muriendo de Plena,' continue to resonate, with over 400,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. In 2024, his life was chronicled in the documentary 'Rada, la película,' featuring testimonies from those close to the artist.