Born on May 29, 1948, Benito de la Fuente was a talented singer-songwriter, a trained psychologist, and an essential figure in Cuban popular music, the statement recalls.

Graduating with a degree in Psychology in 1974, he combined his scientific vocation with an unwavering passion for music. During his university years, he led the group Tipico de Ciencias, devoted to rescuing classic Cuban trova works.

His artistic career achieved notoriety as a member of the iconic group Mayohuacan (1976-1990), where he performed as a singer, soloist, and composer, contributing nearly a third of their repertoire.

With this group, he toured national and international stages, bringing Cuban music to Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He was also a featured performer at the Berlin Political Song Festival (1979 and 1980).

The author of anthological pieces such as “Oxigeno,” “En la marejada,” “Centroamerica,” and “El corazon de La Habana,” his work transcends generations.

A member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba, the Cuban Association of Musical Authors’ Rights, the General Society of Spanish Authors, and the Latin Recording Academy, he served as a voter for the Latin Grammy Award between 1999 and 2003, according to the report.

After living in Venezuela (1993-2006), he joined the Cancion Bolivariana Ali Primera Cultural Association, where he promoted Latin American folklore as its general secretary.

He was the recipient of several awards and recognitions, including the Distinction for National Culture awarded by the Minister of Culture and Currency for the 50th anniversary of the Nueva Trova Movement.

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