The mambí, the musician, the composer, the teacher, the precursor of Cuban radio. How many things can be said about this man who was a Cuban and Camagüeyan through all tests?, who was born on May 24th, 1882 in Pobres Street number 95 -today Padre Olallo 462- between Montero alley and Tío Perico in this agramontina city.

Well yes, I’m talking about Luis Casas Romero; the one who from the age of four felt a strong attraction to music and who made so many contributions to the culture of our country, in addition to being a true patriot.

Our province is lucky to have had him as a son, and that his school to train future artists bears his name; and of course, it is not accidental, because whoever did it knew that it would constitute an honor and a privilege.

He is part of the long list of creators of our country, who in addition was an excellent fighter and defender of the independence of Cuba under the command of General Lope Recio – who named him a bugler of the Liberation Army. Casas Romero went to war at a very young age, and from it he was marked with a wound to his right leg.

This artist, creator of themes such as El mambí, Si llego a besarte, Carmela, and many others, was recognized for his talent by directors and figures from the world of entertainment in the capital, becoming a flutist at the then Alhambra Theater directed by Maestro Jorge Anckerman. In addition, he was in charge of the orchestras of various theaters, such as the Martí, the Payret, and the Molino Rojo.

The pioneer of radio broadcasts in Cuba, as he was also called, was a full member of the National Academy of Arts and Letters, a title that few achieved; and this earned him so that from then on he is considered a great trainer of artistic education.

Proud of such an important figure of national culture, all Camagüeyans must pay tribute to him today, and thank him. Our children and young art students owe him respect and admiration; much more when we know that even until his death on October 30th, 1950 he was in charge of the Band of the General Staff of the Army of our country.

Personalities like this must be revered by everyone every day and be taken into account, not only to remember and love them, but to study them and go much deeper into his career.

For this reason, I invite scholars, researchers and students from our art schools to continue searching for data, anecdotes and as many new details that may exist in reference to the mambí and musician par excellence that Luis Casas Romero always was; so that it also continues to appear within the memorable pages of our national culture.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García