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The death of Umberto Valverde has left Cali literature in mourning. Where did he come from? Who were his parents? Explore his story here.
The recent death of Umberto Valverde , a prominent Colombian writer and journalist , has shocked the cultural community of Cali and beyond. Born in Cali’s Obrero neighborhood in 1947 , he left behind a literary legacy that reflects the life and customs of his hometown.
His work, deeply rooted in popular culture, has resonated with many generations, leading to a renewed interest in the life of Umberto Valverde and the origins of his parents.
Who were Umberto Valverde’s parents?
The writer’s father was a committed worker who worked for the Pacific Railways and was a union leader in his community. This paternal figure significantly influenced Valverde’s life, as his commitment to social justice and the well-being of workers left a mark on the formation of his character and his perspective on life.
His mother, although less mentioned, also played a crucial role in his upbringing, providing him with a family environment that fostered a love of literature and culture. It is worth noting that the chronicler Umberto Valverde mentioned his parents on a couple of occasions when talking about his childhood, however, out of respect for their privacy, he never mentioned their names.
Origins of the writer Valverde
The context of his childhood in the Obrero neighborhood was fundamental for his development as a narrator. In a 2007 documentary, Valverde recalled that in his childhood, young people in that sector only had three life options: to be a worker, a thief or a soccer player.
However, he chose the path of literature , which led him to become a prominent voice in Cali narrative. His personal experience and his environment shaped his writing, which addresses topics such as music, violence and social inequalities in Cali.
Umberto’s legacy in Colombian literature
Valverde was known for his respectful and dignified outlook, which allowed him to connect deeply with his audience. Works such as ‘Bomba Camará’ and ‘Celia Cruz Reina Rumba’ not only reflect his talent as a writer, but also his ability to capture the essence of Cali culture.
Through his work, he became a chronicler of urban life, exploring the complexities of his city and its people. Here is the list of his best-known works:
- Bomb Camara, 1972
- In search of your name, 1976
- Celia Cruz reigns rumba, 1981
- Get out of the way Perico, 2001
- Three Paths to Revolution, 1973
- Critical report on Colombian cinema, 1978
- The Machine, 1992
- Make way: stories of Cali’s female orchestras, 1995
- Memory of Sonora Matancera, 1997
- With the music inside, 2007
- Jairo Varela: Let the whole world sing to you, 2012
- America. The return of a great, 2017
What did Umberto Valverde die of?
Angélica Andrade, a friend of the late writer, said in an interview with a Colombian media outlet in Cali that the writer was facing kidney problems. “ There was no way for Umberto to effectively recover his health ,” said the young woman.
He then added: “He watched football every day, the only time he changed the channel was when the news was on. Of the books, I think the last one he wrote was ‘America, the return of a great’ because in this book he simplifies his love for football, he knew its entire history, and also because he was the director of the team’s magazine. In the glorious years of America in the 80s and 90s he was part of this era.”
As the years went by, Valverde found himself alone in his hospital room, as no one else was staying at the health center.
His literary legacy is a testament to how childhood experiences and the influence of parents can shape a writer’s voice. Remembering his origins is essential to understanding the depth and relevance of his work in contemporary Colombian literature.
Valverde’s origins are an integral part of his story, and his legacy lives on in Colombian culture. His life is an example of how a passion for literature and a commitment to the community can transform lives and leave an indelible mark on society.
