Adolfo Alfonso and Justo Vega (to the right). (Picture: cubadebate.cu)
We can assure that all followers of the Cuban rural music know Justo Vega. The couple of singers: Justo Vega and Adolfo Alfonso set a model in the musical tradition in Cuba with their famous controversies (1).
Justo Vega was a unique interpreter of the punto cubano (2), was born in 1909, in Matanzas. In 1934, his artistic career began in a quartet of Cuban troubadours. He made different performances in Havana and some other cities.
At the beginning, everything was hard for him. Since childhood, he worked hard, until he became a professional singer. He engaged in odd jobs. Once he became an artist, he started working in CMQ (one of the principal radio broadcasting stations in Cuba) to make publicity to his group.
According to the collaborative encyclopedia online Ecured, he was the principal in publicity of Partagás cigarettes; likewise, he directed in the COCO Radio Station, a program entitled the hour of Partagás. He created the program the post of love, to where young people could send letters and meet others personally. Many a couple found their happiness through this program.
In 1959, he put his art at the service of the Revolution with his program Patria guajira (3), where he used to sing in décimas (4) the farmers and workers’ achievements. He also used this means to accuse the acts against the Revolution.
He was a founder of the Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), and until his death, president of the committee in his neighborhood. He was one of the founders and main figure-as well- of the TV show Palmas y Cañas (5). This program is still active.
For his artistic merits –as well as- his loyalty to the Cuban Revolution, he received different recognitions and awards. But above all, he conquered the affection of the people, who recognized him as he man of the Cuban décima.
Being 83 years old, and his health weakened, he died in Havana in 1993. To his memory, the culture house of Arroyo Naranjo (6) bears his name.
Medals and recognitions received:
Diploma of Outstanding Worker of CTC (7)
National Order 1978
Certificate of aptitude as radio speaker
Replica of Fidel Castro’s tank, as a trophy
Vanguard of the Cuban Armed Forces (FAR)
Twice, the Golden Rule
Medal of Ché for the XVI anniversary of the Cuban Revolution
Medal of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Cuban Television
Two prizes Girasol for the popularity of the Magazine Opina
Medal of Anniversary CDR
Medal of the National Culture
Remarks:
1.- Controversia: musical debate.
2.- Punto cubano: A Cuban stanza, consisting of the twelfth part of the line.
3.- Patria Guajira: The Farmers’ homeland.
4.- Décima: a ten-line stanza.
5.- Palmas y Cañas: Palm trees and sugar cane.
6.- Arroyo Naranjo: one of the municipalities of Havana.
7.- CTC: Central Union of Cuban Workers.
Translated by Reinaldo Fernández
