Tirso Duarte (1978–2023) was a Cuban singer, composer, pianist, and arranger who made significant contributions to timba and popular Cuban dance music. Born in Havana, Duarte studied music at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory. He began his professional career playing keyboards with Pachito Alonso before gaining wider recognition as a member of the band Charanga Habanera.
As a composer and performer, Duarte was responsible for popular songs such as "Charanguero Mayor," "La Vecina," and "Riqui Rincón." In addition to leading his own group, Tirso Duarte y la Sonoridad, he was a member of the Afro-Cuban All-Stars under the direction of Juan de Marcos González. His recorded catalog also includes the romantic Cuban salsa single "Pa' Cali" and the release "Un Mal Sueño."
Duarte passed away in Pasto, Colombia, from injuries sustained during an attack in Tumaco, Nariño, shortly after completing a concert performance.
