Carlos "Cuco" Rojas (born Carlos Rojas Hernández; 28 March 1954 – 10 January 2020) was a Colombian harpist, composer and cultural promoter best known for his work in the joropo tradition of the eastern plains. He was born in San Martín, Meta, and became an important figure in preserving and popularizing the musical culture of the Llanos through performance, composition and leadership of the ensemble Cimarrón.
Early life and background
Rojas grew up in the llanos, the vast plains shared by Colombia and Venezuela, where joropo is a dominant folk tradition. Immersion in rural llanero culture shaped his musical identity: the voices, rhythms and repertoire of cattle-ranching communities informed his approach to the harp and to song. He learned traditional playing techniques and repertory that he later taught and adapted for contemporary audiences.
Musical style and instrument
Rojas specialized in the llanera harp, a diatonic harp central to joropo ensembles. The style is marked by brisk tempos, intricate harp runs, percussive string articulation and close interaction with cuatro and maracas. As a performer and arranger, Rojas combined authentic regional techniques with modern presentation, emphasizing both virtuosity and the storytelling aspects of llanero song.
Career and leadership of Cimarrón
As director and principal harpist of Cimarrón, Rojas led an ensemble that brought joropo to national and international stages. Under his direction the group recorded, toured and participated in cultural exchanges, presenting joropo in concert halls and festivals while retaining a connection to community-based traditions. He was noted for mentoring younger musicians and for curating repertoire that showcased the diversity of llanero music.
Cultural contributions and recognition
- Advocate for the documentation and transmission of llanero songs and playing techniques.
- Performer and ambassador of Colombian plains music at international cultural events and festivals.
- Collaborator in projects that highlighted Colombian folklore; he was among the folkloric musicians who accompanied writer Gabriel García Márquez on significant public occasions.
Rojas's work contributed to wider recognition of joropo beyond its regional roots, helping to place llanero music among the important expressions of Colombia's cultural heritage. His recordings, arrangements and teaching influenced peers and younger generations of musicians, and his leadership of Cimarrón remains a reference point for contemporary performances of plains repertoire.
Carlos "Cuco" Rojas died of a heart attack on 10 January 2020 in Bogotá at the age of 65. His passing was noted by cultural institutions and fellow artists who emphasized his role in conserving and modernizing an important Colombian tradition, and by communities that continue to perform and build on the repertoire he promoted.