The Last King of the Gaita: Remembering Manuel “Toño” García

Manuel Antonio García Caro, fondly known as “Toño,” was the last founding member of the legendary cumbia ensemble Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto. At age 94, the legendary recording artist passed away at his home in San Jacinto from pneumonia.

Born on January 20, 1930, in the village of Las Mercedes, San Jacinto, Toño was a virtuoso of the gaita, an instrument integral to the distinctive beat of Colombian folk music. His remarkable skills on the pipe and accordion, as well as his passion for storytelling, made him an iconic figure in the music of his region.

Toño García’s life was a testament to his dedication to the coastal plains of César. Despite retiring from public performances in recent years due to health issues, music was always a part of his spirit to share traditions with younger members of the Gaiteros.

As a young boy in San Jacinto, Toño never imagined the doors that music would open for him. Together with his close friend and fellow gaitero, Juan “Chuchita” Fernández, they traveled the world as frontmen for the legendary musical genre, cumbia. Performing to audiences in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and China, Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto received numerous accolades, including the 2007 Latin Grammy Award for Best Folk Album and the Life and Work prize from the Colombian Ministry of Culture.

Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto began humbly, performing in the bullrings – corralejas – of Sincelejo, and being paid to entertain the spectators with crates of beer and Old Parr whiskey. As their music and influence grew, they left an indelible mark on the cumbia tradition and Colombian folk music. Antonio and Juan composed over 200 songs and dedicated their time to teaching young children with disabilities, ensuring the passion and tradition of the gaita lived on in future generations.

Toño’s presence evoked the echoes of bagpipes, transporting him and those around him to their deepest memories. His contributions to the folk music of Colombia and his role in Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto made him a cherished figure, whose influence will continue to resonate. The gaita has become one of the most influential traditional genres in modern Colombia, thanks in part to the music and legacy of Toño García and his bandmates.

Toño García is remembered not only for his musical talent but also for his enduring spirit and the joy he brought to many. His memory will live on in the melodies and rhythms of the gaita, a vital link between past traditions and the future of Colombian music. His life and work have left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of Colombia.

The original Gaiteros de San Jacinto, through their lifetime of compositions and dedication to teaching, ensured that the gaita and its traditions would not only survive but thrive. Their influence has kept the cumbia tradition vibrant along the Colombian coast and throughout the country. The group’s persistence, with various line-ups spanning generations, speaks to the liveliness and resilience of this musical tradition.

Toño García’s legacy is celebrated through the countless musicians he inspired and the rich cultural heritage he helped preserve. As cumbia mourns his passing, Colombians celebrate the life of a true maestro whose music will continue to echo for generations to come.

Editor’s note: Manuel “Toño” García and Juan “Chucita” Fernández made the front cover of edition No.55 of The City Paper.