In its digital profiles, the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema expressed: “We regret the death of the renowned musician Edesio Alejandro (1958-2025); creator of soundtracks for more than 40 films of Cuban and international cinema.”
“A multifaceted artist, recognized for his ability to fuse genres and explore new sounds. His work transcended borders and generations and consolidated him as an essential figure in the musical and cultural scene,” the message highlighted.
At a press conference held today for the next edition of the Santiago Álvarez In Memoriam Documentary Festival, the organizers expressed their sorrow for the death of this important figure who has left an everlasting mark on cinematography. They stressed that this event is also a platform to pay tribute to his legacy.
Among the most notable works of Edesio Alejandro are the soundtracks of films such as Clandestinos, Kleines Tropicana, Un Rey en La Habana, Madagascar, Suite Habana, Hello Hemingway, Madrigal, José Martí, el ojo del canario, La vida es silbar and Kangamba.
The talented creator was also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of the United States, the entity that awards the Oscars, a recognition to his career and contribution to the world of cinema.
For its part, the Cubacine Icaic portal, of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industries, shared on its Facebook account the note of condolences published by the Cuban Institute of Music on occasion of Edesio’s death.
The text highlights that he studied music at the Alejandro García Caturla and Amadeo Roldán conservatories, where he graduated from the middle level in Guitar, Theory, Harmony, Counterpoint, Morphology, Solfeggio, Orchestration and Piano.
He completed advanced studies in composition, orchestral direction and electroacoustic music with great teachers such as Leo Brouwer, Jorge García Porrúa and Juan Blanco.
During his extensive and successful professional career he composed music for theater, television and for more than 50 cinematographic films.
His symphonic creation stands out for its experimental nature and for exploring new and surprising formats. He worked for film and television, work that includes great recognition such as the legendary film Clandestinos, in addition to the soundtracks for Hoy es siempre todavía and La séptima familia.
The work Violente, written in 1987, is considered the first rock opera in Latin America.
A great defender of Cuban music and culture, he stood out for his irreducible experimental vocation, his ability to fuse the most diverse genres and styles, and his unconditional collaboration with the youngest, who always saw him as a reference of authentic Cuban roots and deep commitment to his people.
His early support for the Cuban Hip Hop movement significantly marked the development of this genre in our country.
An extensive and outstanding career as a musician that includes the recording of several phonograms and a multi-award-winning work as a record producer.
He ventured into audiovisual advertising and as a screenwriter and film director; he was regional delegate for the Caribbean of the Latin Institute of Music, was part of the membership of the Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences of Hollywood and also an active member of the Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences of Spain.
Among his many awards are the Honorary Award of the Cubadisco festival, the Distinction for National Culture and the National Music Award. He was nominated for the Grammy Awards on several occasions and received honorary doctorates from the Mexican universities of Morelos and Xalapa.
He was also a member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba.
By family decision his body will be cremated in Madrid and his ashes will later be transferred to Cuba.
On behalf of the Ministry of Culture we offer his family and friends our most sincere condolences, concluded the ICM statement.
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