Overview:
Félix Cumbé, the Haitian singer born Critz Sterlin, handed away on Feb. eleventh in a Dominican Republic hospital as a result of cardiac arrest. His musical legacy features a heat and melodious voice, unique 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 turned 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, turned one of the crucial beloved figures in Dominican music, identified for hits like “El Gatico” and “Félix Cumbé.” Over greater than 40 years, he constructed a profession that resonated deeply with Dominicans, regardless of dwelling within the nation undocumented for many of his life. His loss of life marks the tip of a decades-long profession that bridged the musical traditions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, abandoning a permanent 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 have been his mates,” Dominican musician Manuel Peralta wrote on Facebook shortly after the singer’s loss of life was introduced.
Cumbé had been hospitalized for a number of days as a result of well being problems. He had a stroke in Might 2024 and confirmed indicators of enchancment, however he had not absolutely 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 Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 1964, Cumbé left for the Dominican Republic at age 13, touring on a donkey from Cap-Haïtien to Ouanaminthe earlier than crossing the Bloodbath River. In a 2022 interview on “El Present de Silvio,” he recounted his journey and the struggles of beginning over in a brand new nation.
Life as a younger immigrant was harsh. After settling in Haina together with his sister, he took on odd jobs to outlive, usually going through starvation and instability. Regardless of these challenges, he discovered solace in music. Immersed within the vibrant rhythms of his adopted residence, he picked up the guitar and commenced performing in native golf equipment, shortly gaining consideration together with his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence.
The rise of a merengue icon
Cumbé’s massive break got here within the Nineteen Eighties when he joined Aníbal Bravo’s merengue orchestra. His dynamic performances and distinctive type helped catapult him to fame. Through the years, he additionally collaborated with high 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 equivalent 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 means of your nice expertise and your contribution to Dominican tradition, you turned one of many greats of world music,”
Cornelio Peña, a Dominican artist.
Whilst he achieved mainstream success within the Dominican Republic, Cumbé remained related to his Haitian roots. Within the early Nineteen 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 turned 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 totally 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 applications aired tributes, and fellow musicians shared their reminiscences of the artist.
“An amazing one has left, who got here from international 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 a fantastic loss for our music and for the Bachata style. Might he reside on in our hearts,” El Chico Nitido, a well 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 means of your nice expertise and your contribution to Dominican tradition, you turned 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 mentioned.
Remaining Farewell to Cumbé
Household, mates, and followers gathered to honor Cumbé’s life, remembering the person who, in opposition to all odds, turned a musical icon.
Cumbé’s voice is sure to proceed to echo by means of the rhythms of merengue and bachata, guaranteeing his legacy lives on for generations to come back.
“The warrior offspring of God will at all times be engraved by you,” one fan commented on facebook. “A loss for the Dominicans, however your music won’t ever be forgotten.”
Some Haitians expressed remorse that Cumbé handed away within the Dominican Republic relatively than in his homeland, with out having the possibility to witness any enchancment within the relations between the 2 nations.
“What pains me is that he died within the Dominican Republic. There isn’t any Haitian who wouldn’t need to see Haiti change earlier than they die,” Guishly Zoe Pope, a Haitian rapper and Cumbé fan lamented on facebook. “There isn’t any Haitian who wouldn’t need to die in their very own nation. However a bloodthirsty authorities has by no means modified something for a very long time.”
Regardless of the long-standing diplomatic tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic—usually marked by insurance policies and rhetoric that marginalize Haitians—music has remained a strong bridge between the 2 nations.