Malanga

José Rosario Oviedo (October 5, 18851927), better known as Malanga, was a Cuban rumba dancer. He is considered one of the most famous columbia dancers and his mysterious death has been the subject of numerous essays, poems and songs, most notably "Malanga murió", written by Faustino Drake and performed by Arsenio Rodríguez amongst others.

Life and career

Early life José Rosario Oviedo was born on October 5, 1885, in "La Esperanza", an ingenio near the village of Alacranes in the Unión de Reyes municipality, Matanzas Province, Cuba. He was baptisted on November 29 as the son of an "unknown father". His godmother Saturnina Oviedo and his grandfather (also his godfather) José Quintero played an important role in his upbringing. According to famous tres player Isaac Oviedo, "he moved blindfolded with a glass of water on his head (...) without ever losing his step or the rhythm". No death certificate had been found,

In popular culture Together with others such as Mulense, Chenche and Tanganica, Malanga is one of Cuba's "legendary rumberos", being remembered as one of the most notable rumba dancers, especially in the columbia style. As a result, his life and especially his death have been the subject of many works, from essays to poems and songs. Cuban poet Fernando García González wrote a poem in 1985 dedicated to Malanga entitled "Canto al Rumbero Mayor".