The music community of Santiago de Cuba mourns the loss of Porfirio Mariol Sagarra, affectionately known as "Fico." His departure leaves a significant void in the city's vibrant musical scene and the legacy of one of its most renowned orchestras.
This Sunday, the Empresa Comercializadora de la Música y los Espectáculos Miguel Matamoros announced Fico's passing, honoring him as a "cherished musician from Santiago" and extending sympathies to his family and friends.
Fico was a talented trombonist, composer, arranger, and a dedicated member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC). He became inseparably linked to Los Karachi, an orchestra he joined in 1983 and led as director for 32 years.
Before joining Los Karachi, Fico honed his craft with other local groups, including Los Taínos and the Orquesta Típica Tradicional. By 2014, his career spanned over 50 years on Cuban and international stages.
The Musical Legacy of Los Karachi
The cultural entity commemorating his death fondly recalled the unique sound Fico and his collaborators crafted in the 1980s. "Karachi was truly a musical phenomenon. Who can forget the trombone brilliance that Fico, Buqueta, Aquino, and the entire ensemble delivered?"
One of Fico's most acclaimed compositions, "Señores, bailen Butterfly," revitalized Los Karachi's popularity in the 1990s, remaining a top Cuban music hit for over eight months.
The orchestra also enjoyed a prolific tenure in Mexico, performing across various venues for nearly a decade. The Santiago cultural enterprise highlighted their success, stating, "For 10 years, they brought their best to the Aztec audiences, elevating Cuban music before returning to Santiago."
Continued Passion for Music
Even after retiring as Los Karachi's director, Fico continued to play his trombone. He was often seen around Garzón, Enramadas, and Plaza de Marte, performing with fellow veteran musicians in Los Jubilados, a group dedicated to traditional Cuban music.
In April 2014, the Suena Cubano orchestra paid tribute to Fico at the Salón del Son in Santiago de Cuba, celebrating his extensive contribution to music on both domestic and international stages. The local newspaper Sierra Maestra described him as a "trombone legend in Cuba."
A Final Farewell
Fico's passing marks another loss for Los Karachi, an orchestra established on April 2, 1976. The group had previously mourned the death of Dagoberto Planos Despaigne, their lead singer for nearly 40 years, who passed away in March 2021 at the age of 64 at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba.
Reflecting on his career highlights, Fico once said, "My best moments are the ones I'm living." This sentiment was chosen by the Santiago cultural organization as his farewell.
Porfirio Mariol Sagarra and His Musical Journey
Who was Porfirio Mariol Sagarra?
Porfirio Mariol Sagarra, known as Fico, was a renowned trombonist, composer, and director of the famous Cuban orchestra Los Karachi.
What was Fico's contribution to Los Karachi?
Fico joined Los Karachi in 1983, eventually becoming its director and significantly shaping its sound and success over 32 years.
How did Los Karachi gain popularity in the 1990s?
Los Karachi returned to the spotlight in the 1990s with the hit song "Señores, bailen Butterfly," which remained popular for over eight months.