# Death of Uruguayan musician Rubén Rada > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-uruguayan-musician-rubn-rada > Updated: 2026-08-28T17:13:23.000Z. Sources: 150. Developments: 3. Uruguayan singer-songwriter and musician Rubén Rada was hospitalized in early August 2026 with bilateral pneumonia. At the time of his admission, the 83-year-old artist was preparing for an October tour and working on a reunion with his 1970s band, Totem. Following a month-long battle with the illness, Rada passed away in Montevideo on August 26, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., as confirmed by his family. Known as ‘El Negro Rada’, he was a foundational figure in Rioplatense music, recognized for pioneering ‘candombe beat’, a genre that fused traditional Afro-Uruguayan candombe with rock, jazz, funk, and pop. Throughout a career spanning over six decades, he led iconic groups such as El Kinto, Tótem, and Opa, and was a recipient of a 2011 Latin Grammy for Musical Excellence. His death prompted widespread tributes from the artistic community in Uruguay and Argentina. On August 28, Rada was honored with a large funeral procession in Montevideo. The farewell featured a musical caravan through the Sur and Palermo neighborhoods, led by percussionist Fernando ‘Lobo’ Méndez with the sounds of candombe drums. A wake held at the Legislative Palace was attended by Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi and artists including León Gieco, Natalia Oreiro, and Ricardo Mollo. During the ceremony, attendees sang and danced to Rada’s hits, such as ‘Blumana’ and ‘Muriendo de plena’. At the North Cemetery, Rada’s children and grandchildren placed a Peñarol club flag on his coffin, marking the end of a life deeply connected to candombe music. ## Claims - Rubén Rada was 83 years old at the time of his death. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Rubén Rada passed away on Wednesday, August 26, at 15:30. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Rada died following a month-long battle with bilateral pneumonia. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Rada was born in Montevideo on July 16, 1943. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Rada was a member of the musical groups El Kinto, Totem, and Opa. (corroborated by 8 sources) - He was a key figure in the creation of candombe beat. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Rada had planned a reunion with the band Totem for October. (corroborated by 6 sources) - He received a Latin Grammy for Musical Excellence in 2011. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-28: Rubén Rada honored with musical funeral procession in Montevideo Uruguayan musician Rubén ‘El Negro’ Rada was honored with a musical candombe procession and wake in Montevideo following his death at age 83. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rubn-rada-honored-with-musical-funeral-procession-in-montevideo ### 2026-08-26: Rubén Rada, Uruguayan music icon, dies at 83 Renowned Uruguayan musician Rubén Rada has died at age 83 following complications from pneumonia. A pioneer of candombe beat, his six-decade career left a lasting legacy on Rioplatense music. 149 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rubn-rada-dies-at-83-a-legend-of-uruguayan-music ### 2026-08-05: Uruguayan Music Icon Rubén Rada Hospitalized with Bilateral Pneumonia Uruguayan music legend Rubén Rada, 83, was hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia, prompting concern as he prepared for an October tour; no official medical details released. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguayan-music-icon-rubn-rada-hospitalized-with-bilateral-pneumonia --- Cite as: Death of Uruguayan musician Rubén Rada. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-uruguayan-musician-rubn-rada