Cuban Musician Edesio Alejandro Passes Away in Madrid

Renowned Cuban musician and composer, Edesio Alejandro, passed away on Wednesday in Spain at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer. The esteemed guitarist died shortly after 3:00 pm in a hospital located in Alcalá de Henares, northeast of Madrid, where he lived with his wife, Idolka de Erviti, following a deterioration in his health.

"Edesio Alejandro has left us, the man behind 'Fundar una esperanza' and 'Hoy es siempre todavía', the rumba 'Blen Blen', 'Tumbao Look', and 'Danzonello', and so much divine production along the way," wrote writer and journalist Jesús Díaz Loyola on Facebook.

The celebrated artist had been suffering from prostate cancer for over four years. "Edesio's musical work is vast and multifaceted, characterized by an innovative spirit that placed him among the most advanced artists of our time. Most importantly, he was an endearing, giant human being, impossible not to love from the first meeting," shared journalist Wilfredo Cancio on Facebook.

Edesio was only days away from turning 67 on March 28. Last March, upon turning 66, he expressed gratitude on Facebook to God and to the doctors in Cuba and Spain for allowing him to continue living alongside his beloved son Cristian, family, and friends. "Thank you so much for the kind birthday wishes through phone calls, in person, and on social media. I love you all," he wrote.

Edesio Alejandro is a pillar of Cuban music, recognized both nationally and internationally. Known for his innovation and versatility, his work spanned genres such as rock and electronic music, and he was also a prolific composer of soundtracks for film and television. Following the news of his passing, many figures in the music world expressed their condolences.

"Edesio Alejandro has just passed away in Madrid. Not only do I consider him one of the best Cuban musicians, but also one of the most humble and honest people I've had the pleasure of befriending for several years," lamented producer and publicist Eliam M. Marrero Bernal.

In August of the previous year, Edesio was hospitalized in critical condition due to a tumor in his spine stemming from his cancer; doctors informed his family of "advanced metastasis." Actor, singer, and music promoter Miguel Elkubanisimo launched a GoFundMe account to raise money for an alternative treatment in hopes of extending Edesio's life by one to two years. The therapy cost was estimated at 36,000 euros.

"I am admitted to a sanatorium in Madrid. Although cancer hasn't defeated me, we are in a very close battle and things are not looking good. I'm in the sanatorium because the illness is causing a lot of pain..." the musician shared at the time.

Edesio, who held Spanish citizenship, moved to Spain in 2021 because he couldn't access medical treatment for his illness in Cuba, due to the island's healthcare crisis. "I came because I've been living with prostate cancer for four years. Recently, the medication that controls this cancer ran out in Cuba [...]. So I have to be here, I have no choice. If I want to live, I need to be here," he commented in March 2024. "The distance hurts me a lot. I try to stay as detached as possible from current events there because when you're sick, it's better to be psychologically apart, but what happens in Cuba and the people's situation bothers me," he expressed.