Jesus Abreu, the Last of the Papines, Dies in Spain

August 2, 2023

The last "survivor" of the famous Cuban rumba group Los Papines, Jesús Abreu, died last Saturday, July 29 in Tenerife, Canary Islands, at the age of 78, "where he was working," announced the Cuban Institute of Music.

Abreu was the "last living member and founder of the "emblematic musical institution together with his brothers, Ricardo (Papín) Luis and Alfredo, natives of Marianao, a municipality west of Havana where the legendary rumbero Chano Pozo was also born.

The musician's last recording, who currently directed the new generation of Los Papines, was "Celia, Cuba Thanks You," dedicated to Celia Cruz, according to essayist Rosa Marquetti.

"You always told me you dreamed of your brothers daily. Now you are with them, papi, light for your spirit. Rest in peace eternal warrior. Only God and my saints know how I feel," wrote his daughter Yuliet Abreu, a member of the group and known as "La Papina."

Jesús Abreu was born on March 14, 1945, and together with his brothers formed "Los Papines" in 1963.

If we discount the precedent of the recording that Papín and his Rumberos shared with Guaguancó Matancero, later Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, the basic discography of Los Papines, in which Jesús participated, consists of eight albums, although one must also count re-editions in different formats, collaborations on other phonograms, compilations, and live recordings abroad.

Los Papines began as professional musicians in nightclubs in Havana, among them the legendary Cabaret Tropicana, until reaching the most demanding stages in Cuba and around the world where Jesús Abreu was the protagonist of a unique show that went beyond pure rumba.

Jesús Abreu first saw the light in Havana on March 14, 1945. From an early age, he embraced with passion and dedication Cuban rumba, its elements and traditions. He began his artistic career in various groups that led him to perform in prestigious nightclubs in the capital, such as the famous cabarets Tropicana and Parisién.

Together with his brothers, he brought to life the Conjunto "Los Papines," an unmatched reference in the field of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean percussion, both within and outside Cuba.

Throughout his life, Jesús Abreu was linked to artistic teaching, leaving an indelible mark as a professor at the National School of Art.

Furthermore, he led the new generation of Los Papines, bringing together young talents who keep alive the essence of this family legacy with authenticity and passion, honoring a tradition that spans more than five decades.

Jesús Abreu was a fervent promoter and disseminator of Cuban roots and rhythms, being recognized with the Distinction for National Culture, the "Alejo Carpentier" Medal, and the "Raúl Gómez García" Distinction. His love for music and his invaluable contribution to Cuban culture earned him a prominent place in the musical history of the island.