Remembering Colombia’s Vallenato Legend, Egidio Cuadrado
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Loading... - JOHANN BAUER
- 25 Oct 2024
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Egidio Cuadrado, the renowned accordionist and lifelong member of Carlos Vives’ band La Provincia, passed away at 71. His final farewell, marked by music, memories, and vallenato rhythms, celebrated the joy and legacy he brought to Colombian music.
Saying Goodbye to Egidio Cuadrado
On a rainy day in Bogotá, family, friends, and fans gathered to bid farewell to Egidio Cuadrado, the beloved accordionist of La Provincia. Known for his exceptional talent and vibrant spirit, Cuadrado passed away after a brief hospitalization. The cemetery Jardines del Recuerdo became the stage for a final tribute to a man who dedicated his life to making music that touched countless hearts.
Born in 1953 in Villanueva, La Guajira, Cuadrado was more than just an accordion player; he was a cultural icon who modernized vallenato, a genre deeply rooted in Colombian tradition. His signature sombrero Vuelta, arhuaca mochila, and a photo of him holding his cherished accordion and one of his Grammy awards adorned his casket, symbolizing his life and achievements.
As loved ones gathered to remember Cuadrado, the atmosphere was a blend of sadness and celebration. Colombian singer Adriana Lucia delivered a heartfelt tribute, her voice accompanied by soft piano and saxophone melodies, moving many present to tears. Yet, as Carlos Vives and La Provincia took the stage, the mood shifted from mourning to joy, honoring Egidio with the music that defined his career—vallenato.
Carlos Vives’ Tribute to His Longtime Friend
Carlos Vives, who had shared the stage with Cuadrado for three decades, expressed their deep bond. “We’ve spent these past few days between tears and laughter because we knew him in his mischievousness,” Vives shared, capturing the essence of Cuadrado—a man full of life, authenticity, and charisma.
Vives and the band began their set with the vallenato classic “Altos del Rosario,” its poignant opening verse resonating in the air. Though the lyrics spoke of parting, the musicians played with smiles and laughter, remembering Egidio’s playful spirit and zest for life. Throughout the performance, Vives paused to share anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of Cuadrado as both a gifted musician and a treasured friend. He reflected on how La Provincia represented the heritage of Colombian culture and how Cuadrado’s influence helped shape its modernity.
The concert was not only a tribute to Egidio but also a remembrance of other beloved members of La Provincia. Vives honored Ernesto ‘Teto’ Ocampo, the band’s guitarist, who had passed away the previous year, emphasizing the enduring legacy of those who shaped their sound.
Family, Friends, and the Spirit of Vallenato
Egidio Cuadrado’s son, Jose, stood before the crowd, fighting back tears as he spoke of his father’s humble beginnings and extraordinary life. He shared how Cuadrado learned to play the accordion before he could even talk, highlighting his father’s unwavering love for vallenato. “He wasn’t a complicated man, but neither was he simple,” Jose explained, offering insights into Cuadrado’s authenticity and soulful approach to life. “He lived from the heart and never pretended to be anyone but himself.”
The emotional day reached a peak when the band’s bassist recited a heartfelt verse he and Cuadrado had been working on together: “Sé que no soy el mejor, tampoco el peor, pero vivo del don del que Dios me dio.” It was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to sharing his God-given gift with the world.
A Celebration of Life Through Music
As the rain continued to fall, La Provincia played on, transforming what could have been a somber occasion into a vibrant celebration of life. Friends and fellow musicians joined in, turning the gathering into a joyful fiesta. Artists like Maía and Chabuco, longtime friends and colleagues of Cuadrado, stepped up to the microphone, paying their respects through song.
The concert served not just as a farewell but as a reaffirmation of the joy, love, and energy that Egidio Cuadrado brought to those around him. The music that once flowed through his accordion now came to life through the hands and voices of his friends, a testament to his lasting influence on the vallenato genre.
For thirty years, Cuadrado and La Provincia had been at the forefront of Colombian music, introducing a new generation to vallenato’s rhythms and stories. Their music crossed borders, won awards, and touched countless lives, making this final tribute a moment to give back to the man who had given so much.
Egidio Cuadrado’s passing marks the end of an era for vallenato. His accordion was more than just an instrument; it was a vehicle for expressing passion, culture, and soul.
