Remembering Colombia’s Vallenato Legend, Egidio Cuadrado

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 this week 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 on Monday at the age of 71 after being hospitalized for several days. The cemetery Jardines del Recuerdo, nestled in the northern part of the Colombian capital, became the stage for a final tribute to a man who spent his life making music that touched the hearts of millions.

Egidio Cuadrado, born in 1953 in Villanueva, La Guajira, was more than just an accordion player. He was a cultural icon who helped modernize vallenato, a musical genre deeply rooted in Colombian tradition. His inseparable sombrero Vuelta, arhuaca mochila, and a photo of him holding his cherished accordion and one of his Grammy awards were placed atop his casket as symbols of his life and achievements.

As loved ones gathered to remember Cuadrado, the atmosphere was heavy with sadness and celebration. Colombian singer Adriana Lucia performed a tender tribute, her voice accompanied by soft piano and saxophone melodies, moving those present to tears. But as Carlos Vives and La Provincia took the stage, the mood shifted from mourning to joy as they honored Egidio with the music that defined his career—vallenato.

Carlos Vives’ Tribute to His Longtime Friend

Carlos Vives, who had played alongside 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 with reporters the day before. His words captured 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 opening verse ringing poignantly in the air: “Lloraban los muchachos al ver mi despedida” (The boys cried when they saw my farewell). Though the lyrics spoke of parting, the musicians did not weep; instead, they smiled and laughed as they played, remembering Egidio’s playful spirit and love for life.

Throughout the performance, Vives paused between songs to share anecdotes from their time together, painting a vivid picture of a man who was a gifted musician and a treasured friend. He reminisced about the early days when Egidio was just a boy in La Guajira, learning to play the accordion before he could even speak. “La Provincia represents the heritage of all that we are as Colombians, of how one generation decided to create its modernity,” Vives reflected, acknowledging Cuadrado’s lasting impact on Vallenato.

The concert was a tribute to Egidio and a remembrance of other beloved members of La Provincia. Vives remembered Ernesto ‘Teto’ Ocampo, the band’s guitarist, who passed away the previous year. “We especially miss him today,” Vives said as the audience remembered both musicians who had shaped the band’s 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 was born into a poor, humble family and learned to play the accordion before he could even talk,” Jose said, his voice breaking with emotion. The audience listened intently as Jose described his father’s unwavering love for vallenato, a genre that evolved alongside him throughout his career.

“He wasn’t a complicated man, but neither was he simple,” Jose explained, offering a glimpse into the complex character of Egidio. He spoke of his father’s authenticity, a man who lived from the heart and never pretended to be anyone but himself. “He didn’t follow the logic of the mind but that of the soul,” Jose continued. This soulful approach to life defined Cuadrado, and as long as someone listens to his music, Jose affirmed, his father will never truly be gone.

The emotions of the day reached a peak when the band’s bassist recited a heartfelt verse that 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” (I know I’m not the best, nor the worst, but I live by the gift that God gave me). It was a fitting tribute to a man who had spent his life 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 celebration of life. Friends and fellow musicians joined the tribute, 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 was not just a farewell but 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 had crossed borders, won awards, and touched countless lives, and now, in this final tribute, it was time to give back to the man who had given so much.

The End of an Era for Vallenato

Egidio Cuadrado’s passing marks the end of an era for Vallenato. His accordion was more than just an instrument; it was a vehicle through which he conveyed his passion, culture, and soul. His legacy was evident as his casket was lowered into the ground, adorned with the symbols of his life—his sombrero Vuelta, his ayahuasca mochila, and his accordion.

Egidio Cuadrado was more than a musician; he symbolized Colombian heritage, a man who took a traditional genre and breathed new life into it. His collaboration with Carlos Vives brought Vallenato to the world stage, blending tradition with modernity in a way that resonated with audiences everywhere.

Also read: Initial Toxicology Report from Argentina Reveals Multiple Drugs in Liam Payne’s System

Though his hands will no longer play the accordion, his music will live on, inspiring future musicians and reminding us of the power of authenticity, tradition, and joy.