Cuba Rumba Man ‘El Goyo’ Dead at 75

HAVANA TIMES, Jan 10 — The outstanding Cuban dancer, singer and percussionist Gregorio “El Goyo” Hernandez, one of the most popular rumberos (rumba performers) on the island, died here on Sunday at the age of 75 as a result of heart disease.

Cultural institutions across the island expressed their regret over the death of this master of Abakua folklore. He remains considered one of the essential figures of rumba and was the founder of the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional dance group.

“El Goyo” was distinguished by his intense teaching activity at the Instituto Superior de Arte and other art education centers in Cuba and around the world. His works include more than twenty albums, such as The Spirit of Havana, which was created along with the Canadian artist Jane Bunnet.