Rafael Solano Morales, a celebrated Cuban journalist born in Cabaiguán in 1954 and recipient of the prestigious Rey de España Award, passed away on Tuesday in Madrid at the age of 70. His death was attributed to respiratory and cardiac complications resulting from the coronavirus. Family sources confirmed the unfortunate news to the Cuban newspaper El Vigía, which noted that Solano had contracted COVID-19 in 2020 and spent several months in the Hospital of Alcorcón, located south of Madrid. Although he managed to recover from the virus, his health remained significantly compromised.
Following his illness, Solano took early retirement from Radio Exterior de España, where he had been employed since his exile to the Spanish capital in 1996. Initially, he worked for 20 years as a state journalist in Cuba. However, alongside Raúl Rivero and other peers, Solano joined the movement advocating for press freedom on the island, ultimately leading to his exile in Madrid.
Throughout his illustrious career, Solano received numerous accolades, including the 1986 Spain Broadcasting Award for his report "Llegaron de Canarias," the 1988 Rey de España Award for "El encuentro de los dioses," and the Tiflo Award from the ONCE Foundation in 2000 for "Concierto de Aranjuez." His work covered diverse subjects such as the life of Canary Islands immigrants, religious syncretism in Cuba, and a tribute to the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. When King Juan Carlos of Spain presented him with the award that marked a pinnacle in his career in 1988, he remarked, “Good perfumes come in small bottles.”
In Spain, Solano was highly regarded as a man who proudly carried the legacy of his homeland while thriving on foreign soil. According to El Vigía, he had plans to return permanently to Cuba and had even purchased land in San Miguel del Padrón to cultivate fruits and vegetables. However, he was unable to fulfill this dream due to the pandemic.
Solano's distinctive approach to radio broadcasting made him an essential figure for many. His program "Estampas cubanas" on Radio Taíno was eagerly awaited by listeners who appreciated his exploration of Cuban history and culture.