Mario Cepeda Brenes, a musician, artisan, and keeper of the Puerto Rican bomba tradition, has died at the age of 73. The Cepeda family announced his passing through social media, stating that his voice will continue to be heard through the legacy he leaves behind. Cepeda Brenes was a member of the renowned Familia Cepeda, a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and promoting bomba and plena music in Puerto Rico.
He was the son of Rafael Cepeda Atiles and Caridad Brenes Caballero, key figures in the revitalization of Afro-Puerto Rican expressions in the 20th century. Cepeda Brenes contributed to the family's tradition for decades, learning to play traditional percussion instruments from a young age and participating in the family's artistic activities. He was also a skilled artisan, specializing in the creation of maracas, a essential instrument in traditional Puerto Rican music.
The family has thanked the public for their support and asked for continued prayers for Cepeda Brenes' rest and for the strength of those who are grieving his loss.