Overview:
Félix Cumbé, the Haitian singer born Critz Sterlin, passed away on Feb. 11th in a Dominican Republic hospital due to cardiac arrest. His musical legacy includes a warm and melodious voice, original compositions, and a diverse range of songs. Cumbé’s journey from Haiti to the Dominican Republic exemplified his dedication and love for music, which resonated with fans globally.
FORT-LIBERTE—Félix Cumbé, a Haitian-born merengue and bachata singer who became a beloved figure in Dominican music, died on Feb. 11 in the Dominican Republic after suffering multiple cardiac arrests. He was 60. His music, which blended influences of both nations, made him a cultural bridge between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Cumbé, whose real name was Critz Sterlin, became one of the most beloved figures in Dominican music, known for hits like “El Gatico” and “Félix Cumbé.” Over more than 40 years, he built a career that resonated deeply with Dominicans, despite living in the country undocumented for most of his life. His death marks the end of a decades-long career that bridged the musical traditions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, leaving behind an enduring legacy in both nations.
“An artist has passed away who, despite being surrounded by fame and money, kept his humility, simplicity and solidarity with all those who were his friends,” Dominican musician Manuel Peralta wrote on Facebook shortly after the singer’s death was announced.
Cumbé had been hospitalized for several days due to health complications. He had a stroke in May 2024 and showed signs of improvement, but he had not fully recovered. Cumbé was laid to rest at the Jardín Memorial cemetery in the Dominican Republic on Thursday, Feb. 13.
A journey from Haiti to the Dominican Republic
Born Critz Sterlin in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 1964, Cumbé left for the Dominican Republic at age 13, traveling on a donkey from Cap-Haïtien to Ouanaminthe before crossing the Massacre River. In a 2022 interview on “El Show de Silvio,” he recounted his journey and the struggles of starting over in a new country.
Life as a young immigrant was harsh. After settling in Haina with his sister, he took on odd jobs to survive, often facing hunger and instability. Despite these challenges, he found solace in music. Immersed in the vibrant rhythms of his adopted home, he picked up the guitar and began performing in local clubs, quickly gaining attention with his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence.
The rise of a merengue icon
Cumbé’s big break came in the 1980s when he joined Aníbal Bravo’s merengue orchestra. His dynamic performances and unique style helped catapult him to fame. Over the years, he also collaborated with top merengue artists, including Fernando Villalona, establishing himself as one of the essential voices of the genre.
His success led to a prolific recording career, with albums such as “Juniata la Cafetera” (1987), “Fiesta Party” (1992), “La Fugadora” (1995), “Eso Si Ta’ Duro” (1997), “Bachateando” (1999), “Rompe Corazones” (1999), “El Inmigrante” (2002), and “Eso Da Pa’ To’” (2002). His lyrics told stories of love, struggle, and resilience, resonating deeply with fans across the island.
Thank you, maestro, for leaving us your legacy.Through your great talent and your contribution to Dominican culture, you became one of the greats of world music,”
Cornelio Peña, a Dominican artist.
Even as he achieved mainstream success in the Dominican Republic, Cumbé remained connected to his Haitian roots. In the early 1990s, he returned to Haiti’s music scene, joining the Superstars d’Haïti band. There, he worked alongside Jean-Claude Jean, a guitarist from the legendary Tabou Combo. Their 1992 album “Modern Compas” featured the hit Jije’m, which became a favorite in Haiti, highlighting Cumbé’s ability to navigate and thrive in both musical worlds.
Despite his widespread fame, Cumbé lived much of his life as an undocumented immigrant. For more than 40 years, he struggled with the limitations that came with his status, unable to fully access the rights and benefits of Dominican residency.
Tributes pour in for Cumbé, a bridge between the two nations
News of Cumbé’s passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Fans flooded social media with messages celebrating his life and music. Television programs aired tributes, and fellow musicians shared their memories of the artist.
“A great one has left, who came from foreign lands, made a name in the Dominican Republic, and won the hearts of Dominicans with his bachatas and merengues,” percussionist Chamo Bateria wrote on Facebook.
“What a great loss for our music and for the Bachata genre. May he live on in our hearts,” El Chico Nitido, a well-known figure in the Dominican music industry wrote on Facebook.
“Thank you, maestro, for leaving us your legacy,” another artist, Cornelio Peña, wrote on Facebook emphasizing Cumbé’s influence on Dominican culture. “Through your great talent and your contribution to Dominican culture, you became one of the greats of world music.”
Lesly Theogène, Haïti’s northeast departmental director of the Ministry of Culture, recalled meeting Cumbé at the Haitian consulate in Dajabón.
“He was always preaching unity between the two peoples,” Theogène said.
Final Farewell to Cumbé
Family, friends, and fans gathered to honor Cumbé’s life, remembering the man who, against all odds, became a musical icon.
Cumbé’s voice is bound to continue to echo through the rhythms of merengue and bachata, ensuring his legacy lives on for generations to come.
“The warrior offspring of God will always be engraved by you,” one fan commented on facebook. “A loss for the Dominicans, but your music will never be forgotten.”
Some Haitians expressed regret that Cumbé passed away in the Dominican Republic rather than in his homeland, without having the chance to witness any improvement in the relations between the two nations.
“What pains me is that he died in the Dominican Republic. There is no Haitian who wouldn’t want to see Haiti change before they die,” Guishly Zoe Pope, a Haitian rapper and Cumbé fan lamented on facebook. “There is no Haitian who wouldn’t want to die in their own country. But a bloodthirsty government has never changed anything for a long time.”
Despite the long-standing diplomatic tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic—often marked by policies and rhetoric that marginalize Haitians—music has remained a powerful bridge between the two nations.