As part of the activities to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the birth of Manuel Jesus Leyva, better known as Koko Leyva, a conference was held this April 9 at the provincial headquarters of Uneac in Holguin.
Koko left in his legacy around 200 pieces in almost all genres of Cuban music, among which “Fantasía Africana” (African Fantasy) stands out. In addition it influences not only in the development of the Holguin music but at international level, because he made arrangements for musicians of different parts of the world.
We must continue doing research on the life and work of Koko, because thanks to the versatility and rigor that characterized him, he became one of the most important figures of the local and national musical history, said Armando Aguilera, art instructor in Holguin.
To pay tribute to the unforgettable musician and composer born in the Cuban City of the Parks, those present narrated the told anecdotes they had shared with him during his years of work.
Then, as a cultural activity, the musical group Los Monier performed the works “Convergencias” and “Mulata”, an adaptation of the homonymous poem by Nicolás Guillén.
The organizer of the event, María Escalona Batista, stressed the importance of holding these meetings more frequently and inviting new generations to continue with the imprint of Koko Leyva, who physically disappeared in 2005 but left as a legacy his great musical works.
The documentary on the life of the man who made the most genuine creation of Holguinera music was presented at Martí movie-theater.
On April 14, the concert that will end the day will end with the work “Fantasía Africana”, a composition that demonstrated the creative maturity of Koko.
By Sheila Diaz Figueras
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