Anibal Vazquez: The Last
of a Salsa Legend
-by Sam Rodriguez
 

Washington, DC.   I have just received the news from Willie Colón and Larry Harlow that Anibal Vázquez died last night of a heart attack while dancing on stage with his long time dancing partner Roberto Roena. Anibal and Roberto Roena had been  dancing partners since the early 70's with the Fania All Stars.  They traveled throughout many countries and danced to some of the biggest Salsa crowds ever gathered.  They were the Fania All Stars dancers.  In addition, Roberto Roena and Anibal Vázquez would perform with Roena's band.  The Salsa Industry will remember Anibal Vázquez as Fania's MC.  However, we at Salsaweb know better so that will change effecitive right now because Anibal died dancing and not MC'ing.  Dancing was Anibal's true passion...many in the Salsa Industry seldom recognize dancers not us and we will change that because we have the technical expertise to move this music into the 21th Century.   Salsaweb and the other young and innovative Internet Salsa Industry community will change all of that.   We are the real future of Salsa Music. We are the only ones in World recognizing Salsa dancing.  We never had a chance to recognize Anibal Vázquez...God knows that we would have loved to do it but we get very little support from the music industry.  That is why I truly applaud All Star Entertainment, Wepa Productions, and the others for their hard work.     I can only wish that I had more time, hands, and support to make it even better. 

In addition to the agony of losing this legendary Salsero dancer is that Roberto Roena will probably never be able to recover from the lost of his long time partner. Roberto Roena who resides in Puerto Rico went to New York City to give some shows.  Little did he know that this show would be his last with Anibal.  Anibal left us doing what he loved most which was Dancing Salsa,  he was having fun and that is the best way to go down.  Salsa is the absolute best music and lifestyle that I know and if my turn comes tomorrow I want it to be just like Anibal's departure.   I am trying my very best to improve and expand the movement here in Washington, DC.  Most of the time I don't sleep and make too many sacrifices that should not be but, it's happening only because I enjoy it.  God Almighty give me the strength, health, and support to continue; we need your support.  What we are doing is important because we are having fun and we are uniting people in ways that even the best scholars can not begin to comprehend.   We have to embrace it...Salsa Music and the Internet has changed our lives for ever.  Anibal had a good time and so should we.    If you want to see some pictures of Anibal visit www.salsaweb.com/dc/salseros.htm Sam Rodriguez.

Que viva La Salsa!
Sam Rodriguez
Washington, DC

sam@salsaweb.com