What is rafael santa cruz?

Rafael Santa Cruz was a renowned Afro-Peruvian musician, composer, and historian. He was born on August 24, 1925, in Lima, Peru, and died on March 4, 2021, at the age of 95. Rafael was the eldest son of Nicomedes Santa Cruz, another prominent Afro-Peruvian musician, poet, and activist.

Rafael Santa Cruz was known for his lifelong dedication to the preservation and dissemination of Afro-Peruvian music and culture. He was a multi-instrumentalist, playing the cajón, guitar, quijada, and other traditional instruments. He recorded several albums, including "De Ayer Para Siempre" and "Canto y Cuanto," and performed in major venues and festivals around the world.

Apart from his music career, Rafael Santa Cruz was also an advocate for social justice, particularly for the recognition and empowerment of Afro-Peruvians. He authored several books and articles about the history and culture of Afro-Peruvians, and was active in various cultural and educational initiatives.

Rafael Santa Cruz received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to Afro-Peruvian music and culture, including the Order of Merit for Distinguished Services in Culture, awarded by the Peruvian government in 2009.