The esteemed oral poet Juana Tomasa Quiala Rojas, widely celebrated as the "Queen of Cuban Improvisation," passed away on Thursday at the age of 63 due to complications from a heart condition. "Our Tomasita Quiala has passed," shared pro-government journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso on Facebook.
In April, the artist, who was blind from birth, was admitted to the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital in Havana, where she underwent heart surgery. Prior to this, she had been hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit at the Leopoldito Martínez Hospital in San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, due to a serious condition. After several days of treatment, she was discharged, a recovery that was publicly acknowledged by Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel on the social media platform X.
A Life Dedicated to Improvised Poetry
Born on December 29, 1961, in Banes, Holguín, Tomasita developed her skills at the Varona Suárez School for the Blind and showcased an innate talent for poetic improvisation from a young age. Her mastery of the décima, a traditional Cuban improvisational form, established her as a prominent figure in the genre.
Throughout her illustrious career, she collaborated with the Antonio María Romeu Provincial Music Center and participated in numerous national and international events. Tomasita earned public acclaim through frequent appearances on platforms such as the Palmas y Cañas program.
Legacy Beyond Borders and Politics
Tomasita was honored with the National Community Culture Award, and her art transcended Cuban borders, reaching audiences in Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and Argentina, among other countries. Despite her known support for the Cuban regime, which made her a pro-establishment figure in the cultural landscape, her legacy as an improviser and promoter of Cuban rural oral traditions remains a vital part of the island's cultural heritage.
The Impact and Legacy of Tomasita Quiala
Who was Tomasita Quiala?
Tomasita Quiala was a renowned Cuban oral poet known as the "Queen of Cuban Improvisation," celebrated for her mastery of the décima and her contributions to Cuban cultural heritage.
What were Tomasita Quiala's contributions to Cuban culture?
Tomasita Quiala was instrumental in promoting Cuban rural oral traditions and was recognized for her performances in both national and international venues, earning the National Community Culture Award.