Cuban musician Alain Pérez recently shared a brief video of his visit to percussionist José Luis Quintana Fuentes, better known as "Changuito," who is one of the founders of Los Van Van. "Changuito" is currently recuperating at the Julito Díaz Hospital in Havana. The specific reason for his hospitalization has not been disclosed.
"Happy to see he is recovering without losing his creativity and the depth of our most heartfelt drum," Pérez wrote in the video's description. "May God continue to strengthen him, and remember, any help is welcome," Pérez added, encouraging other musicians and former students to visit "Changuito" at the hospital.
This year, many Cubans rallied to support "Changuito" after fellow musician Giraldo Piloto called for assistance, highlighting the poor living conditions of the esteemed percussionist, who does not even have a refrigerator.
Quintana Fuentes recently lost a leg due to gangrene, a condition exacerbated by a delayed hospital admission in 2022, which was repeatedly reported by his children.
Born on January 18, 1948, in Casablanca, Havana, Changuito is regarded as one of the greatest Cuban percussionists of all time. He was given his nickname in 1964 by pianist, director, and composer Felipe Dulzaides while he was part of the pop-rock group Los Armónicos.
Throughout his extensive career, he served as a full professor at the Institute of Superior Arts (ISA)New York School of Modern Music and Berklee College of Music in Boston.