Colombia vallenato legend Enrique Diaz dies, aged 69

Colombian vallenato singer, accordionist, and composer Enrique Diaz died in the early hours of Thursday morning at the age of 69, according to local media. 

Diaz, who was known in the music world as “El Tigre de Marialabaja,” was diagnosed with cancer and died of cardiac complications, according to Colombia’s El Tiempo newspaper.

Diaz hailed from Marialabaja in Colombia’s northern Bolivar state where he developed his particular vallenato style that was characterized by its combination of humor and seriousness.

Diaz will be remembered for such songs as ‘La caja negra, ‘El rico cují’ and ‘La muerte viene a caballo,’ whose lyrics reflect the everyday lives of people from Colombia’s Caribbean region.

“La caja negra” by Enrique Diaz

Sources

• Murió el juglar de música vallenata Enrique Díaz (El Tiempo)