Ruben Rada, Uruguay’s country brand ambassador, was honored by the Montevideo City Hall

Ruben “El Negro” Rada, one of the most influential artists in Uruguayan music, was honored in the Sarandí pedestrian street in Montevideo. The Departmental Board of Montevideo unveiled a tile with his name in the Paseo de los Soles, a space reserved to highlight personalities who have left a mark on Uruguayan culture and society. This recognition reinforces his role as ambassador of Uruguay’s country brand, consolidating his legacy as Uruguay’s cultural representative in the world.

Rada, 80 years old, has been a key figure in Uruguayan music from his beginnings in the Morenada comparsa when he was only ten, through his leadership in bands such as El Kinto and Tótem, to his successful solo career. He was a pioneer of candombe beat, a style that fuses candombe with rock and jazz, and with which he conquered local and international stages.

“I feel happy to be part of Uruguayan music,” said Rada, also thanking his family for having accompanied him throughout his career.

Ruben Rada has been a reference of Uruguayan music and a cultural ambassador of Uruguay’s country brand, taking Uruguay’s name to the world through his art. As an ambassador, Rada represents the values of creativity, diversity, and quality that Uruguay projects globally. His music blends tradition and modernity and symbolizes the country’s innovative spirit.

The artist, who has taken Uruguayan music to international stages, has had albums such as “Montevideo” and “Montevideo II” achieve Platinum Disc status in Uruguay and have been released in countries such as Japan, France, and the United States. He has been awarded important recognitions, such as the “Honorary Degree of Master of Latin Music” from Berklee College of Music and the Latin Grammy Awards for Musical Excellence.

The tribute concluded with a medley of songs performed by Rada, who, drum in hand, bid farewell to those present to the rhythm of his characteristic candombe, reaffirming once again his status as a living legend of Uruguayan music.

Note with information from the Junta Departamental de Montevideo.
Photographs by the Municipality of Montevideo.