• Submitted by: lena campos
• Music
• 02 / 13 / 2014

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Singer and songwriter Santiago Feliu, a leading voice of Cuba's "Nueva Trova" genre of revolution-inspired balladry, died Wednesday of an apparent heart attack, media reports here said.

"We've just received the sad news of the sudden death early this morning of one of the great voices of Cuban Nueva Trova movement, singer/songwriter Santiago Feliu," the Tele Rebelde channel reported.

Renowned for his soft, lilting voice, often accompanying himself on guitar, Feliu made numerous popular recordings over the years, and was a sought-after performer to appear on the stage alongside Cuban and foreign musical stars.

The Nueva Trova musical genre, born in the years following the 1959 Cuban revolution, was smiled upon by the regime for lyrics that gave voice to its stated political and social imperatives, including the battles against sexism, colonialism and racism.

"It will be difficult to say farewell to this original singer," state-run television said, eulogizing Feliu who "left behind the gift of some of the most relevant works in the panorama of Cuban music."

Source: Global Post.com