Overview:
Félix Cumbé, the Haitian singer born Critz Sterlin, handed away on Feb. eleventh in a Dominican Republic hospital resulting from cardiac arrest. His musical legacy features a heat and melodious voice, authentic compositions, and a various vary of songs. Cumbé’s journey from Haiti to the Dominican Republic exemplified his dedication and love for music, which resonated with followers globally.
FORT-LIBERTE—Félix Cumbé, a Haitian-born merengue and bachata singer who grew to become a beloved determine in Dominican music, died on Feb. 11 within the Dominican Republic after struggling a number of cardiac arrests. He was 60. His music, which blended influences of each nations, made him a cultural bridge between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Cumbé, whose actual title was Critz Sterlin, grew to become some of the beloved figures in Dominican music, recognized for hits like “El Gatico” and “Félix Cumbé.” Over greater than 40 years, he constructed a profession that resonated deeply with Dominicans, regardless of residing within the nation undocumented for many of his life. His dying marks the top of a decades-long profession that bridged the musical traditions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, forsaking an everlasting legacy in each nations.
“An artist has handed away who, regardless of being surrounded by fame and cash, saved his humility, simplicity and solidarity with all those that had been his pals,” Dominican musician Manuel Peralta wrote on Facebook shortly after the singer’s dying was introduced.
Cumbé had been hospitalized for a number of days resulting from well being issues. He had a stroke in Might 2024 and confirmed indicators of enchancment, however he had not totally recovered. Cumbé was laid to rest on the Jardín Memorial cemetery within the Dominican Republic on Thursday, Feb. 13.
A journey from Haiti to the Dominican Republic
Born Critz Sterlin in Haïti’s capital, Port-au-Prince in 1964. Cumbé left Haiti for the Dominican Republic as a toddler.
Life as a younger immigrant was harsh. Settling in Haina together with his sister, he labored tirelessly at odd jobs to outlive, going through starvation and instability. Immersed within the vibrant rhythms of his adopted house, he picked up the guitar and commenced performing in native golf equipment, his distinctive voice and charismatic presence rapidly gaining consideration.
The rise of a merengue icon
Cumbé’s huge break got here within the Nineteen Eighties when he joined Aníbal Bravo’s merengue orchestra. His dynamic performances and distinctive model helped catapult him to fame. Over time, he additionally collaborated with prime merengue artists, together with Fernando Villalona, establishing himself as one of many important voices of the style.
His success led to a prolific recording profession, with albums similar to “Juniata la Cafetera” (1987), “Fiesta Social gathering” (1992), “La Fugadora” (1995), “Eso Si Ta’ Duro” (1997), “Bachateando” (1999), “Rompe Corazones” (1999), “El Inmigrante” (2002), and “Eso Da Pa’ To’” (2002). His lyrics advised tales of affection, wrestle, and resilience, resonating deeply with followers throughout the island.
Thanks, maestro, for leaving us your legacy.By your nice expertise and your contribution to Dominican tradition, you grew to become one of many greats of world music,”
Cornelio Peña, a Dominican artist.
Whilst he achieved mainstream success within the Dominican Republic, Cumbé remained linked to his Haitian roots. Within the early Nineties, he returned to Haiti’s music scene, becoming a member of the Superstars d’Haïti band. There, he labored alongside Jean-Claude Jean, a guitarist from the legendary Tabou Combo. Their 1992 album “Trendy Compas” featured the hit Jije’m, which grew to become a favourite in Haiti, highlighting Cumbé’s capacity to navigate and thrive in each musical worlds.
Regardless of his widespread fame, Cumbé lived a lot of his life as an undocumented immigrant. For greater than 40 years, he struggled with the constraints that got here together with his standing, unable to completely entry the rights and advantages of Dominican residency.
Tributes pour in for Cumbé, a bridge between the 2 nations
Information of Cumbé’s passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration in each Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Followers flooded social media with messages celebrating his life and music. Tv packages aired tributes, and fellow musicians shared their recollections of the artist.
“An incredible one has left, who got here from overseas lands, made a reputation within the Dominican Republic, and gained the hearts of Dominicans together with his bachatas and merengues,” percussionist Chamo Bateria wrote on Facebook.
“What an ideal loss for our music and for the Bachata style. Might he stay on in our hearts,” El Chico Nitido, a widely known determine within the Dominican music business wrote on Facebook.
“Thanks, maestro, for leaving us your legacy,” another artist, Cornelio Peña, wrote on Fb emphasizing Cumbé’s affect on Dominican tradition. “By your nice expertise and your contribution to Dominican tradition, you grew to become one of many greats of world music.”
Lesly Theogène, Haïti’s northeast departmental director of the Ministry of Tradition, recalled assembly Cumbé on the Haitian consulate in Dajabón.
“He was at all times preaching unity between the 2 peoples,” Theogène stated.
Ultimate Farewell to Cumbé
Household, pals, and followers gathered to honor Cumbé’s life, remembering the person who, in opposition to all odds, grew to become a musical icon.
Cumbé’s voice is sure to proceed to echo by the rhythms of merengue and bachata, making certain his legacy lives on for generations to return.
Regardless of the long-standing diplomatic tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic—typically marked by insurance policies and rhetoric that marginalize Haitians—music has remained a strong bridge between the 2 nations.