A question lingers. Who was Gabino Ezeiza?
Gabino Ezeiza was more than just a name. He was a musical legend. He was a composer and payador. We stand before a memorial to honor him. Let me tell you his story.
Gabino Jacinto Ezeiza was born in Buenos Aires in 1858. He was nicknamed “El Negro Ezeiza.” Gabino was a prominent figure in Argentine folk music. He excelled as a payador which is an improvising musical performance.
Ezeiza’s roots were in San Telmo. This was a historic neighborhood for Afro-Argentines. His teacher was Pancho Luna. Luna initiated him into the art of payada.
Gabino Ezeiza rose to fame. He was celebrated in Argentina and Uruguay. His talent for musical duels was unmatched. One famous duel took place in Montevideo in 1884. He faced Juan de Nava. The audience was huge. Gabino improvised “Heroico Paysandú.” This secured his victory. July 23 is now “Day of the Payador” in Argentina. This commemorates that historic event.
Another memorable payada occurred in Pergamino. It was in Buenos Aires Province. He competed against Pablo J. Vázquez in 1894.
Gabino had connections with Carlos Gardel and José Razzano. They met in political circles supporting Hipólito Yrigoyen. This is depicted in “El último payador.” The movie’s script was by Homero Manzi. Gabino befriended them at the Café de los Angelitos. After Gabino’s death they honored him with “Saludo a Paysandú”. Later Gardel recorded it.
Ezeiza died in 1916. Ironically it was the day Yrigoyen became President.
Gabino Ezeiza significantly influenced Argentine folklore. Some say he brought milonga rhythm to payada. His popularity spread it to Uruguay and Brazil. Gabino believed milonga came from Afro-Uruguayan candombe.
Nemesio Trejo described his first encounter with Gabino in 1884. He said Gabino introduced milonga in Do Mayor. Trejo explained its link to African candombe.
Gabino saw milonga as an evolution. It was from Afro-Argentine candombe played by Afro-Argentines. This happened in the pampas region.
This monument is a reminder of Gabino Ezeiza’s legacy. He was a master of payada. He enriched Argentine musical culture.