At the age of 79, Cuban singer Pablo Milanés, better known by his stage name Pablito, passed away in Madrid.
The late artist, who was the pioneer of Nueva Trova (the new song movement), also served as a cultural ambassador for the revolutionary movement of Fidel Castro all over the world.
The singer, who won a Latin Grammy, put out several albums and was praised for songs like “Yo Me Quedo,” which means “I’m Staying,” and “I Love This Island,” which means “I Love This Island.”
It was revealed that the deceased songwriter had passed away on his official Facebook page. Representatives of Maestro Pablo Milanés wrote, “With great anguish and sadness, we regret to advise that Maestro Pablo Milanés has gone away,” in a letter they sent out (originally in Spanish, translated here into English).
During this extremely trying time, we want to express how much we appreciate everyone’s outpouring of love and support for his family and friends. I pray that he finds rest in the love and serenity that he brought into the world throughout his life. “In our hearts and minds, he will live on forever.”
In the past, Milanés had to cancel a dozen performances due to hospitalization. He travelled to Spain to receive treatment for his blood malignancy.