The tribute to “La Guantanamera,” on the 60th anniversary of its universalization, could not be missing from this festival of the Cuban peasantry, in which music and theory come together in the same space.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- María Eugenia Ascuí, a researcher from the capital, brought with her an 11-minute documentary, dedicated to Joseíto Fernández (The King of Melody) and this song, known throughout the world for its peculiar characteristic that, according to its author, admits all kinds of verses, which it is demonstrated by the incorporation of the de José Martí "Versos Sencillos," in 1960.

This guajira son that was immortalized in New York around 1962 is surrounded by myths, it is said that it has some 150 versions in various languages and musical genres. The documentary talks about a first theory that the lyrics come first and then the music, a reality that Joseíto addresses on the Suceso del Día radio program (Event of the Day).

Much has been said about the life of José Fernández Díaz over the years; he was born on September 5, 1908, and it is said that his famous song was written in 1942, inspired by a relationship with a very young beautiful girl.

He was a man who made a living as he could and offered serenades to earn some money, a lifestyle that paved the way for him in music in some trios until he became a singer of the Juventud Habanera septet, giving popular presentations, both, on Radio and Television.

It was common to see him in the Los Sitios neighborhood, in Centro Habana. Despite being such a humble man, his compositions were performed by important singers such as Benny Moré, who sang “Elije tu que canto yo.”

He passed away on October 11, 1979, without luxuries, but with a legacy that has immortalized him. Joseíto Fernández is, without a doubt, one of the greatest human assets that Cuban Culture has bequeathed.