To eternity departed this June 12th the most beloved female voice of repentismo in Cuba, the incomparable Juana Tomasita Quiala Rojas, or Tomasita Quiala, as she was known by most of the people.
Holguinera by birth, native of the municipality of Banes, what she could not communicate with her eyes she did with her unmistakable voice and her expressive hands.
The queen of repentismo in Cuba did not possess the gift of sight but that never prevented her from winning the affection and admiration of all by dint of talent and a charisma envied by many.
Tomasita, even when death overtook her after suffering complications from a heart attack in April, was always an example of resilience and spiritual strength.
She taught many that a physical disability such as lack of vision, is just that, something physical almost imperceptible if there is strength of heart and dreams to achieve, and so she proved with a life where she achieved great recognition as an artist, woman and mother.
A strong, clear, precise voice, that declaimed in full guateque or through the screen reaching the homes of thousands of Cubans, which also transcended borders with her tunes or through the stories, poems and songs she wrote.
Her charisma and her ability to improvise verses made her an emblematic figure of repentismo, an art that celebrates oral tradition and popular poetry.
Eloquent improviser and defender of Cuban roots, Quiala goes down in eternity as one of the greats of Cuban culture.
Cuba these days honors her life and work, and from the land of Holguin, where she was born, she is also honored and missed.
Her absence will be deeply felt, but her spirit will continue to resonate in every verse improvised in the guateques and in every melody that celebrates the rich culture of the Cuban countryside.
By: Leannis Berbén Leyva
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
- Cuba celebrates Fathers’ Day - 15 de June de 2025
- Vocal ensembles festival ends in Holguin - 14 de June de 2025
- Tomasita Quiala’s Last Tune - 14 de June de 2025