Havana, Cuba.- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Tuesday that musician Juan Formell is a source of pride for the Caribbean nation.

Diaz-Canel highlighted the work of Formell, to whom a special tribute is being dedicated here, which began on August 2, to mark his birthday.

‘Formell is the pride of the country, he is part of our musical memory, and his work is also Cuba. A weel-deserved tribute to the maestro and Los Van Van,’ the head of state tweeted.

The First International Timba Festival Por Siempre Formell was held in honor of the musician.

Formell – a bass guitarist, arranger, composer, singer and record producer – died on May 1, 2014, aged 74, and was one of the most respected creators of popular dance music in the region.

He and his orchestra Los Van Van popularized songs such as Te traigo, Chirrin chirran, Llegue, llegue, Que no, que no, que no, El baile del buey cansao, Por encima del nivel, La Habana no aguanta mas, Anda ven y muevete, Artesanos del espacio, La titimania, El negro no tiene na, among many others.