Edesio Alejandro died: Goodbye to a legend!

Cuban culture is mourning because Edesio Alejandro, renowned musician and composer, died in Madrid, Spain. He fought a long battle against prostate cancer. His departure leaves a void in music and cinema, where his talent marked a before and after.

Edesio Alejandro’s fight against cancer

Since 2021, Edesio Alejandro faced a hard diagnosis of prostate cancer. Without access to the necessary medicines in Cuba, he traveled to Spain in search of treatment. In an interview, he explained his situation:

«I came because I’ve been living with prostate cancer for four years. In recent times, medicine ended in Cuba, the vaccine that controls that cancer. So I have to be here, I have no choice. If I want to live, I have to be here ».

Despite medical efforts, his health deteriorated in recent months. Friends and family began a fundraising in Gofundme to pay for their treatment, but the disease advanced quickly.

Finally, Edesio Alejandro died in a hospital in Alcalá de Henares, accompanied by his wife, Idolka de Erviti.

An eternal legacy in music and cinema

Edesio Alejandro was born in Havana in 1958. From a young age, his passion for music led him to explore different genres.

«I had wonderful teachers: Clara Nicola and Mario Daly on the guitar, which was my main instrument. Then, at the average level, I studied with Flores Chaviano, who was also essential in my career ».

His talent made him one of the most innovative figures of Cuban music. He merged rock, electronic music and traditional Cuban rhythms, creating a unique style.

In the cinema, he left his mark with more than 80 sound bands, including clandestinos (1987), Madagascar (1994) and Suite Havana (2003), directed by Fernando Pérez.

«Condestino is like my first love, I will always remember it with love. That movie opened the doors of cinema.

Rock opera pioneer in Latin America

In 1987, Edesio Alejandro made history with his violent work, the first Latin American rock opera.

«International criticism said it was the first Latin American rock opera. I didn’t know at that time. We had references of rock operas such as Evita or Jesus Christ Superstar, but we were not aware of what we were doing in historical terms ».

This milestone consolidated him as a visionary artist who broke barriers within Cuban music.

International Awards and Recognitions

His career earned him important recognition. In 2010, he was nominated for Latin Grammy for his album 100 Cuban sounds and, a year later, to the American Grammy.

In addition, in 2013, he entered the Academy of Hollywood Arts and Film Sciences, which allowed him to vote at the Oscars.

«For three years, vote at the Oscar awards for the best music and the best film. In the presentation of new members, the president of the Academy mentioned that I was the first Cuban to enter and said: «Here is X of Cuba.» Since then, colleagues call me «Cuba.»

An artist who never surrendered

Throughout his life, Edesio Alejandro faced obstacles, but his determination always carried him forward. During the special period, he emigrated to Canada in search of opportunities. There, he received advice that changed his career:

«Throughout my career, doors have closed doors. But I have always found a way to open them. If there is no door, I’m looking for a window. And if there is no window, I break the wall and leave ».

His talent and perseverance led him to international success, never forgetting his Cuban roots.

Farewell

With the death of Edesio Alejandro, music and cinema lose a reference, but his legacy will live in each of his compositions. His innovations, his passion and delivery make him an unforgettable figure for Cuban culture.

Today, Cuba and the world fire a genius who never stopped dreaming. 🎶