Mercedes Sosa, affectionately known as “La Negra,” remains an iconic figure in Latin American music and political activism. Her powerful alto voice and unwavering conviction resonated across borders, captivating audiences worldwide for over five decades. Often hailed as “the voice of Latin America,” Sosa Mercedes became synonymous with the region’s struggles and triumphs, using her music as a potent commentary on social and political issues.
Born in 1935 in San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina, Sosa Mercedes grew up in a working-class household with French and indigenous Quechuan roots. Her early exposure to folk music and dance ignited a lifelong passion. At the young age of 15, she won a local radio singing competition, securing a two-month contract that marked the beginning of her professional journey as Sosa Mercedes.
Initially, Sosa Mercedes explored a diverse range of popular music. However, her marriage to musician Manuel Oscar Matus proved pivotal. Together, they immersed themselves in the burgeoning nueva canción movement of the early 1960s. This movement, echoing the American folk revival, saw artists like Chile’s Victor Jara and Cuba’s Silvio Rodríguez redefine Latin American folk music to reflect the socio-political realities of the continent.
Sosa Mercedes became a leading voice of nueva canción, choosing songs that showcased her emotive vocal range. Her interpretations of Violeta Parra’s “Gracias a la Vida” and Horacio Guarany’s “Si Se Calla el Cantor” became anthems, popularizing the movement and solidifying her connection with listeners. By the mid-1960s, Sosa Mercedes was a household name in Argentina. Her albums, including “Romance de la Muerte de Juan Lavalle” and “Mujeres Argentinas,” established her unique artistry. By the late 1960s, her repertoire expanded to include music from across Latin America, including indigenous communities, transforming her into a pan-Latin American star, the Sosa Mercedes we remember today. Following her divorce from Matus, he also established a successful solo career.
In the 1970s, Sosa Mercedes ventured into acting, appearing in “El Santo de la Espada,” a film about Argentinian independence hero José de San Martín. Her increasing popularity led to international tours, particularly to the Soviet bloc, where her leftist political views, evident in her 1972 album “Hasta la Victoria” celebrating workers’ rights, were warmly received. Sosa Mercedes became known as “the voice of the voiceless ones,” championing the rights of the marginalized. However, her political stance drew the ire of the Argentinian military junta after the 1976 coup led by Jorge Videla. Initially facing censorship, the harassment escalated as Sosa Mercedes became an international symbol of freedom.
A turning point occurred in 1979 during a concert in La Plata. Military forces stormed the stage, publicly searched Sosa Mercedes, and arrested her and 350 audience members. After 18 hours of detention and international outcry, she was released but faced mounting death threats, forcing her into exile in Europe, residing in Madrid and Paris.
Exile was difficult for Sosa Mercedes, and she returned to Argentina in 1982, despite the ongoing military dictatorship. Her immense fame offered a degree of protection, and her comeback concerts at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires were a triumphant homecoming, featuring guest appearances by renowned Argentinian artists. A live album from these concerts captured the emotional reunion following the fall of the junta. Sosa Mercedes continued to tour globally, including performances in the UK, and collaborate with diverse artists like Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, and Shakira. Throughout her illustrious career, Sosa Mercedes released 70 albums, earning three Latin Grammy Awards and numerous accolades, including the UNIFEM prize for her advocacy of women’s rights. Even in later years, she remained politically engaged, openly opposing Carlos Menem’s presidency.
In her own words, Sosa Mercedes stated, “I didn’t choose to sing for people, life chose me to sing.” After years of health challenges, including liver problems, kidney failure, and cardiac arrest, Sosa Mercedes passed away at the age of 74. She is survived by her son, Fabián, and her enduring legacy as Sosa Mercedes, the unforgettable voice of Latin America, continues to inspire generations.
