Story
The "Los Zafiros" was formed in 1962 in
Havana, Cuba. The founding members include Leoncio Moura ("Kike"),
Eduardo Elio Hernandez Mora ("El Chino") originally from Central Tiguaro,
Ignacio Elizalde Sanchez, a Havana-native, and Miguel Angel Cancio Soria,
also from Havana.
Individually, they found refuge in the famous neighborhood of Cayo
Hueso, where they met. El Chino was a "chepista" and "judoka,"
Kike was a typist for the rental of "Obrubus," and Ignacio was a dancer
for his aunt's dance company, and, as such, Ignacio was the only member
who was able to travel throughout Europe. Miguel was a member of the
famous quartet of Facundo Rivero, who after a long musical tour in
Venezuela, worked his way back home while making a living as a
clown named, Gasparin. Through this experience, Miguel was the only
founding member of "Los Zafiros" with substantial artistic experience.
The name "Los Zafiros" is derived from the precious stone on Miguel's
ring, in his possession since 1956.
Once they appeared, "Los Zafiros" was immediately successful. Their
unique sound was never before heard in Cuba. and its fame was the result
of original music combined with stylistic choreography and dance
movements, which was never before seen in Cuba. This caused an immediate
sensation, which garnished them with thousands of devoted young
followers.
"Los Zafiros" left an incredible mark never experienced in Cuban
artistic circles, and having attained international recognition, they
are considered to be the best musical quartet of their generation.
"Los Zafiros" continued to reign into the 1970's when they separated and
disappeared. Ignacio died in 1981 at the age of 37. Kike died 2 years
later, also at the age of 37. El Chino died alone in his native Cayo
Hueso in 1995.
Miguel is the only surviving member. A
vocalist and co-writer for the feature film Zafiros Locura Azul,
he immigrated to the United States in 1993. Living in Miami, Miguel is
currently writing his memoirs.
