Gp Fernández, the son of the renowned Cuban salsa musician Paulo Fernández Gallo (known as Paulo FG), publicly condemned an act of vandalism against his father's grave in the Ministry of Culture's Pantheon at Colón Cemetery. The incident took place on Sunday, January 11, a date that marks what would have been the artist's birthday.
The family expressed their outrage through a Facebook post, describing the act as a painful and deeply disrespectful desecration of one of Cuba's most iconic musical figures.
"It's a crushing realization to witness such disrespect and the complete lack of human values in those responsible for this act. The images speak for themselves," his son lamented.
He reported that the resting place of the singer was vandalized, with the artist's image torn down and visible damage inflicted upon the headstone.
"In the Ministry of Culture's Pantheon, the resting place of a Cuban music icon has been desecrated," he emphasized.
The family criticized the absence of basic security measures in an area that holds the remains of significant national cultural figures. "It's unacceptable that someone of his stature doesn't have the minimal security ensured at the cemetery," stated Gp Fernández.
The artist's son stressed that this incident is not only a physical attack on a grave but also an affront to Cuban culture and the memory of a beloved artist.
In his message, he demanded an "immediate investigation" from the authorities and expressed hope that those responsible would face legal consequences.
"Despite all the hardships we endure, I believed there was still some humanity left, but we see that there are no limits to evil," he wrote.
He also addressed the singer's followers, urging them not to remain silent and to join in the public denunciation.
"Let's keep his legacy alive with dignity and demand the respect he deserves. Press Play for justice," he concluded.
This act of vandalism occurs less than a year after the massive and emotional funeral of Paulo FG, who died in a tragic car accident.
The artist was laid to rest in Colón Cemetery, within the Culture Pantheon, alongside other legendary Cuban music figures like Adalberto Álvarez and José Luis Cortés, known as El Tosco.
During his burial, numerous images shared on social media depicted the outpouring of love from a community deeply affected by his loss.
Friends, colleagues, and family accompanied the coffin with applause, tears, and songs that have defined generations. During the funeral procession, traditional décimas and iconic songs like "La especulación de La Habana" were heard.
Before the burial, the musician was given a final farewell at the Calzada y K funeral home, where dozens gathered to pay tribute. His coffin was surrounded by family, friends, and wreaths sent by high-ranking figures in the Cuban political sphere.
Born on January 11, 1962, Paulo Fernández Gallo emerged as one of the most influential artists in Cuba's popular dance music scene.
His career included stints with groups like Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, Opus 13, and Dan Den before founding his own band, La Élite, in 1992. With charisma and versatility, he became a genre icon, with hits that remain integral to the country's musical landscape.
The desecration of his grave has sparked a wave of outrage among fans and the artistic community, who view it not only as a disrespect to a beloved artist but also as an affront to the nation's cultural memory.
Impact and Security Concerns in Colón Cemetery
Why was Paulo FG's grave vandalized?
The motivation behind the vandalism remains unclear, but it has been condemned as an act of profound disrespect towards the memory of the artist.
What are the family’s demands following the vandalism?
The family is demanding an immediate investigation and hoping that the perpetrators face legal consequences.
What does the vandalism signify for Cuban culture?
The act is seen as a disrespect to Cuban culture and a wound to the memory of an artist who had a significant impact on the nation's music scene.