Farewell, Maestro Casimiro

Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands mourn the loss of Casimiro Camacho, one of the great names of the archipelago’s folklore. The renowned Majorero timple player died around midnight on Sunday, March 8, at the age of 94, leaving an indelible legacy for the history of music and a deep sorrow in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

The Cira Ruiz funeral home in Puerto del Rosario will remain open all day today, and the funeral mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10, in the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán in Tetir (departure at 11:40 a.m. from the funeral home). Fuerteventura Digital joins the condolences to his family and friends, especially his wife Auxiliadora and his daughters María and Cristina.

Casimiro Camacho López, dubbed “The King of the Timple” in the biography by Elías Rodríguez, was born in Lajares in 1932 into a humble family and grew up surrounded by timples, guitars and bandurrias.

His importance stems from being a pioneer and precursor; his mastery helped the Canarian timple evolve from a mere accompaniment instrument to a recognized solo voice.

He also played guitar and bandurria, improvised vocally like his father, Pedro Camacho, taught music, and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Yet what truly endures is the affection people felt for him—his mere presence drew crowds eager to hear his music, his jokes, and his anecdotes.

“Many thanks, Master Casimiro.”

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The First Timple on Television

Although in his later years he was known more as a popular artist than as a concertist or studio musician, his career is indisputable. As a member of the trio Los Paraguayos, Camacho performed in Madrid, Barcelona, France, Italy, and elsewhere, meeting artists from across Spain and the Canary Islands.

During the tribute paid by the Cabildo of Fuerteventura in 2022, journalist Antonio Betancort recalled a historic moment: in May 1962, Camacho participated in the concert of the seventh Semana de Canarias in Madrid, dedicated that year to Fuerteventura.

The concert was broadcast by Televisión Española in the program Kilómetro Cero, presented by Tico Medina.

“The first timple that appeared on this country’s television was Casimiro Camacho’s,” Betancort recounted.

Ironically, the broadcast could not be seen in the Canary Islands, as television signals did not reach them until 1964.

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Tributes and Recognitions

• In 1999, after a 30‑year hiatus from the stage, Camacho returned to public performance alongside José Antonio Ramos, Benito Cabrera, and “El Colorao.” The event was organized by the Puerto del Rosario City Council.
• Throughout his life he received countless honors. The most recent, in 2022, included:
  • A bust erected by the La Oliva City Council in Lajares.
  • A comprehensive tribute by the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, featuring a program of events, a dedicated book, and a homage concert.
  • The Island School of Music named its Timple Classroom after him in recognition of his lifelong contribution.

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One of the Great Timple Players in History

Prominent Canarian folk timple players such as Domingo Rodríguez “El Colorao” and Totoyo Millares always counted Camacho among their own. He also shared the stage with Benito Cabrera and José Antonio Ramos.

Benito Cabrera’s words at a 2006 tribute concert in Lajares illustrate Camacho’s impact:

“We hope to be worthy of the legacy you left us,” Cabrera said.

That same evening, “El Colorao” added:

“I was lucky to enjoy and learn from Casimiro’s art. Art is not about teaching.”

“Many thanks, Master Casimiro.”