One hundred years ago, one of the most admired musical idols in the island of Cuba: Benny Moré, came into this world.
Therefore, the city of Mérida has decided to carry out a two-day homage: Friday 23 and Saturday 24, in which local groups such as Yahal Kab, La Siembra and Kubao will offer a live tribute with the most iconic songs of the “Sonero mayor de la Isla“. The initiative arises from Ricardo Vega, head of the Yahal Kab group, and La Negrita Cantina, who decided to join together for this one-of-a-kind celebration, that by the way, will take place in different parts of the world where the music of “El Bárbaro del Ritmo” (Wildman of Rhythm), has been admired throughout time.
Andy Uicab (La Siembre), Ricardo Vega (Yahal Kab), Patricia Martín (La Negrita) and Marionel Reyes (Kubao). (Photo: YA)
“The cultural ties that twin Yucatan and Cuba are close; however, these will be the only activities in Mérida that will remember Moré’s extensive trajectory and his influence on music, ”says Vega.
It should be noted that the event will be attended by Eduardo Seijo Solís, Director of Economic Development and Tourism of the City of Mérida, who declared in press conference: “This is a recognition to the cultural work that La Negrita Cantina has done as a socially responsible company, in collaboration with civil organizations and Mérida’s private initiative, that since its reopening, has promoted Caribbean art and music in a fundamental way”.
Benny Moré: “The Wildman of Rhythm” (Photo: Cortesía)
The program on Friday 23rd contemplates live music from 5 to 9pm, starting with the repertoire of Latin rhythms of Kubao and continuing with the intervention of Yahal Kab and his Latin American music. Later, both sets will alternate playing pieces and compositions of Benny Moré such as Siguaraya, Eastern Maracaibo, Yiri Yiri Bom, Cienfuegos, Pachito Eché, Bonito y Sabroso, Castellana and Santa Isabel, among others. Finally, the two groups will come together to offer a “mixed performance” of Caribbean sounds.
On Saturday 24, the party will continue starting at 5pm, with the repertoire of the La Siembra group, who will warm up the afternoon with Cuban sounds as an opening act to Yahal Kab’s Benny Moré tribute, featuring songs such as: Castellano que bueno, Baila usted, Como fue, etc. To close the celebrations with an ensemble that will play a selection of Afro-Latin music hits.
In this footage, Benny Moré can be seen dancing and singing in a Mexican movie of the 1940’s
“Admission for both days is completely free,” says Ricardo Vega. “The objective is not to let this date go unnoticed, since Moré’s music and Cuban sounds have influenced performers from all over the world including the Yucatecan music lovers, who will be able to celebrate such an important anniversary for the world of art, ”he concluded.
Benny Moré was born in 1919 as Bartolomé Maximiliano Moré Gutiérrez in Santa Isabel de las Lajas, province of Cienfuegos, and although he died in 1963, “El Bárbaro del Ritmo” remains constantly present in Latin rythms and in the repertoires of musical groups all over the world, so his legacy has had a notorious universal artistic influence.
Many events will be dedicated to Moré’s memory in his native Cuba, both in the province of Cienfuegos and in Havana, as well as in other territories of Latin America.
The Yucatan Times Newsroom
