Manuel “Guajiro” Mirabal, Cuban Trumpet Legend, Dies at 91

Manuel “Guajiro” Mirabal, a renowned Cuban trumpeter celebrated for his contributions to the Buena Vista Social Club, passed away on October 28, 2024, in Havana at the age of 91. Mirabal’s illustrious career spanned decades, beginning in the early 1950s with bands like Swing Casino and Conjunto Rumbavana. His association with the Buena Vista Social Club in the 1990s catapulted him to international fame, and his distinctive trumpet sound became synonymous with the group’s revival of traditional Cuban music. Beyond his work with the Buena Vista Social Club, Mirabal was a prolific musician, having performed with numerous ensembles and released his own acclaimed solo album. His legacy as a master trumpeter and a vital force in Cuban music will endure for generations.