Renowned Cuban musician Luis Manuel Mirabal Vázquez, affectionately known as "El Guajiro Mirabal," passed away in Havana on Tuesday at the age of 91. The news was announced by the Cuban Institute of Music (ICM), though the cause of death was not disclosed. Mirabal was a key figure in the famous Buena Vista Social Club project and "is hailed as one of the greatest trumpeters in Cuba and worldwide," the ICM stated in their tribute, highlighting the musician's illustrious career.
Upon hearing the news, Buena Vista diva Omara Portuondo took to social media to express her sorrow. "I just received the heartbreaking news that 'El Guajiro' Mirabal has passed away. A beloved brother, great friend, remarkable musician, and wonderful man," wrote the 94-year-old singer, extending condolences to the musician's family and signing off with, "thank you for everything, dear friend."
Legacy of a Musical Pioneer
Born on May 5, 1933, and dubbed "El Guajiro de Cuba" by famed Venezuelan sonero Oscar D'León, Mirabal has been celebrated in recent decades as one of the world's most outstanding trumpeters. His career, characterized by simplicity and humility, spanned more than seventy years, during which he left a significant artistic legacy.
Mirabal was a member of notable musical groups such as Rumba Habana and the Riverside Orchestra. Throughout his journey, he also played with other orchestras including the Tropicana Orchestra (of which he was a founder), Casino Orchestra, Parisién Cabaret Orchestra, National Hotel Orchestra, ICRT Orchestra, and the Cuban Modern Music Orchestra, among others. He participated in numerous recordings and collaborations with prominent Cuban and international musicians, including Oscar D'León.
International Recognition and Awards
A pioneer and vital member of projects that elevated Cuban music to international fame, Mirabal was involved with Afrocuban All Stars and the acclaimed Buena Vista Social Club (BVSC), with which he won a Grammy Award in 1998. In 2004, World Circuit released the album "Buena Vista Social Club Presents Manuel Guajiro Mirabal," which was nominated for Latin Grammy Awards in 2005 and Billboard Latin Music Awards in 2006. His presence was also highlighted in Wim Wenders' successful documentary, which brought BVSC global recognition and an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary in 1999.
A member of the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC), throughout his extensive career, El Guajiro Mirabal received numerous accolades, including the Distinction for National Culture and the Alejo Carpentier Medal, among others. His passing signifies a profound loss for Cuban music and culture.
A Final Farewell
The musician's wake will be held at the Marianao funeral home, with the burial scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, at 11:00 a.m. (local time) at the Colón Cemetery. "I have received the sad news of Manuel 'El Guajiro' Mirabal's passing. I began playing with him at the age of 16 in the Modern Music Orchestra. I learned so much from him, especially about improvisation in Cuban music; his playing was the epitome of authentic Cuban essence," shared fellow Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. "He had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful person. We have lost a giant of music and the most Cuban trumpet in the history of the genre. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family, friends, and all his admirers," Sandoval concluded.