Dagoberto “Yin” Carrizo, Panamanian music icon, passes away

Panamanian musician Dagoberto “Yin” Carrizo Medrano, known as the “Cantor de la Patria,” has passed away. A prominent figure in typical Panamanian music, Carrizo was a composer, singer, and accordionist who founded the group Viva Panamá in 1960.

Carrizo is credited with modernizing the stage presence of the accordion by being the first typical singer to perform while standing. His musical legacy includes iconic songs such as “Viva Panamá,” “Mi Mata Maye,” “Julia,” and “Lucy.” His work helped elevate traditional campesino music to a national spectacle and reached international audiences.

In addition to his musical career, Carrizo was also a painter. His family in Ocú, Herrera, is preparing a religious farewell ceremony at the San Sebastián Church following his cremation. His daughter, Kenia Carrizo, described him as a quiet and introverted individual who valued his personal space despite his extensive professional life, which sometimes included performing for 28 consecutive days in a single month.