Santiago before the legend
Childhood, family, foundry work, baseball, serenades and the first songs.
New publication · 2026
Ñico Saquito: The Man Behind the Legend
The life, the songs and the world that carried them far.
A documented biography following Benito Antonio Fernández Ortiz from Santiago de Cuba to Ñico Saquito’s recognition as an essential figure in Cuban guaracha.
About the book
Behind the rhythm was the man.
The book traces the jobs, journeys, family life, copyrights, recordings and tributes that shaped Ñico Saquito’s life in chronological order. His songs appear within each period, linked to the time they were written and their journey through the voices of different performers.
Family documents, letters, interviews, photographs and discographic discoveries reveal the father, worker, friend and creator behind the celebrated artist who turned everyday life into music.
Journey
Five stages.
A complete life.
The book follows dates and contexts, from his first jobs to the international reach of his songs.
Songs open the world
“Cuidadito, compay gallo,” bands, Tampa, radio, film and records.
Distance, family and rights
Venezuela, letters, remittances and the composer's struggle to receive payment for his work.
Songs without borders
A repertoire that traveled across countries, record labels, performers and generations.
The studio and the farewell
His eightieth-birthday tribute, final recording sessions and the man behind the songs.
Authors
Family memory, documentation and narrative.
- 01Alejandro Fernández Ávila
- 02Lic. Antonio Fernández ArbeloÑico Saquito's son and literary narrator.
- 03Lic. María del Carmen Fernández Calzado
- 04MSc. Sandy Fernández FernándezAuthor responsible for the narrative.
Available now
The story of Ñico Saquito in a definitive edition.
Open the official book listing on Amazon.
Amazon Kindle ↗More about the legacy
The research continues through books, music and archives.
Explore Ñico Saquito's musical legacy and the full publications catalog.