Pedro Ramayá Beltrán

It feels impossible to write this, to put into words the enormous hole Pedro Ramayá Beltrán has left in our lives. He passed away on April 12th, 2026, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy woven with the sweet, haunting melodies of the *flauta de millo*. Most people knew him as Ramayá, and that was just fine with him – it was a name that felt like a warm embrace, a simple acknowledgement of the joy he brought to everyone he met. I remember when I first heard him play, a tiny, weathered man sitting on a stool in a dusty plaza in Soledad, coaxing the most beautiful, sorrowful sounds from that little cane flute. It wasn’t just music; it was a story, a piece of his soul poured out into the air. Pedro’s life was deeply rooted in the music of his homeland, Colombia. He spent decades perfecting his craft, first with Efraín Mejía’s La Cumbia Soledeña, and then building his own band, La Cumbia Moderna de Soledad. But beyond the stage and the recordings, Pedro was a man of simple pleasures. He loved a good cup of *tinto* (black coffee), a lively conversation, and, above all, his family. He adored his wife, Elena, and their children, always with a twinkle in his eye and a gentle hand. I’ll never forget the way he’d patiently teach me to play a few bars on the *flauta de millo*, his hands guiding mine, his smile radiating warmth. He was a devoted grandfather, showering his grandchildren with love and stories of his life. He wasn’t a man of grand pronouncements, but his impact was profound. He had a way of making you feel seen, of understanding you without needing a single word. He poured his heart into his music, capturing the spirit of Soledad and the beauty of the Colombian countryside. He taught countless young musicians the art of the *flauta de millo*, ensuring that his music, and his passion, would live on. More than just a musician, he was a storyteller, a friend, and a beacon of warmth and kindness. Pedro, you will be deeply missed. Your music will continue to echo in our hearts, a reminder of a life lived with passion, love, and an unwavering dedication to the beauty of sound. Rest in peace, my dear friend.