San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 25, 2024 - With the solemnity that distinguishes a university protocol act, but with great enthusiasm and emotion, the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico celebrated the academic ceremony in which it awarded the degree of Honorary Doctorate in Music, the outstanding percussionist, composer and bandleader Fernando Luis “Willie” Rosario Marin. Music was a starring part of the ceremony and the presence of Mister Afinque was enough to make the event a memorable one.

The Board of Trustees and the president of Inter-American University, Dr. Rafael Ramírez Rivera, highlighted the performance and achievements of this great Puerto Rican musician that make him worthy of this important distinction. “It is an honor to grant the degree of Doctor of Music Honoris Causa to Maestro Rosario, recognizing his extraordinary legacy and his valuable impact on the musical world. Not only do we recognize his musical achievements, but also his human qualities, since don Willie Rosario personifies the passion, dedication and excellence that promote the values of our University,” Ramírez Rivera said.

“Willie Rosario's career is an example that transcends generations; it is a gift to our students of the Popular Music Program of this Metropolitan campus, since it represents the struggle to achieve success, the effort to maintain an impeccable reputation, not giving up in the face of obstacles, and above all, maintaining a united family that awaits us at the end of a hard journey. The Board of Trustees, unanimously, decided to confer this degree convinced that we recognize the “Best of Our Country”, said in his message, the president of the Board of Trustees, Domingo Más Rivera.

An honorary doctorate degree is a university honorary degree awarded to persons of recognized prestige as a result of their extraordinary merits, relevant academic career or outstanding scientific, cultural, technical, humanistic, artistic, literary, religious and community impact, in line with the historical trajectory and the values and ideals of the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico.

The acclaimed Míster Afinque, has been delighting tropical music lovers around the world with his timbal and leading his orchestra for 65 years. He was born in Coamo, Puerto Rico, on May 6, 1924, which means that in the coming weeks he will celebrate the centennial of his birth. At the age of six he began guitar lessons and later saxophone and percussion. In 1946 he organized the Coamex ensemble and at the age of 17 he moved to New York. In 1959, his first orchestra was born, highlighting the rhythms of Mambo, Cha cha cha cha, Pachanga and Latin Jazz. In 1968, he recorded the album Two too much, which marked the sound of his orchestra with the inclusion of baritone saxophone. He wrote songs for Gilberto Santa Rosa, Tony Vega, Papo Lucca and Bobby Valentín. He composed Arrepentidos pecadores, Negrita linda and Amigo de qué? among other songs. Among his most recognized interpretations are: De Barrio Obrero a la 15, Botaron la pelota, Anuncio clasificado, El timbal de Carlitos, El revendón, Mi amigo el payaso and Cuando no hay cariño. In 1987, he was nominated for a Grammy award, being the first Latin orchestra to be nominated for an American Grammy. He obtained several gold and platinum records and belongs to the International Latin Music Hall of Fame. Its discography includes more than 30 albums. His music is danced and listened to throughout America, Europe and Asia becoming a musical ambassador of Puerto Rico.

The outstanding musician, orchestra conductor, arranger and honorary professor of the Metro Campus, Dr. Miguel Cubano, was in charge of offering some comments about the honoree. In his presentation, Cubano highlighted the immense contribution to popular music represented by his long work as a whole, from the salsa genre. “This is neither the time nor the place to technically analyze the three fundamental elements of music. I will only make an exception for rhythm, the primordial element. In this way we will better understand why maestro Willie Rosario has been aptly called Mister Afinque, as well as El rey del afinque,” said the prominent musician and academic. From then on, Cubano developed an analysis of rhythm, the concept of afinque in salsa, tempo, metrics and measures. His comments reaffirmed Willie Rosario's musical contributions, from the perspective of his professional knowledge and his academic and practical experience.

After the act that conferred the honorary degree, the honorary doctor addressed the audience with enthusiasm. “Knowing our most sincere gratitude to which our family joins, for granting me the prestigious distinction of an Honorary Doctorate in Music from this respected and distinguished Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. I receive it with a heart swollen with joy as well as with humility and pride. I thank the Heavenly Father for making it part of his glorious desire. My conduct and behavior will continue to be the same; a simple and humble man with the doors of my heart open to help those who need me.
Now more than ever it will reinforce my faith in God, which dictates us to be honest and believe more in Him. My most expressive thanks to the fans of this your orchestra, for making us your favorites, because you are the ones who have motivated and inspired me to continue making music. Without your support I would not have achieved my dream. Thank you very much,” said Willie Rosario.

At the activity, an ensemble of professors, students and alumni of the Popular Music program of the Metro campus, performed the famous song De Barrio Obrero a la 15, directed by the director of the Popular Music program, Ricardo Pons. The ceremony was attended by Inter-American University faculty members, university system officials, students, friends and visitors.

Among the members of the artistic class who attended the ceremony were Rafael Ithier, Charlie Aponte, Domingo Quiñones, Bobby Valentín, among others.