Rubén Rada honored with musical funeral procession in Montevideo

Uruguayan musician Rubén ‘El Negro’ Rada was honored with a large funeral procession in Montevideo following his death at age 83 from bilateral pneumonia. The farewell included a musical caravan through the Sur and Palermo neighborhoods, characterized by the sounds of candombe drums led by percussionist Fernando ‘Lobo’ Méndez.

Before the procession reached the North Cemetery, a wake was held at the Legislative Palace. The event was attended by high-profile figures including Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi, as well as artists such as León Gieco, Natalia Oreiro, and Ricardo Mollo. During the ceremony, attendees sang and danced to Rada’s hits, including ‘Blumana’ and ‘Muriendo de plena’.

At the cemetery, Rada’s children and grandchildren placed a Peñarol club flag on his coffin. The ceremony served as a tribute to his significant cultural impact and his lifelong connection to candombe music.