Si yo fuera presidente, si yo fuera un presidente, no hubiera fuerzas armadas, las guerras se acabarían, los muchachos regresaban a casa donde pertenecen…Frankie Dante pa’ presidente”..

Presidente Dante— Frankie Dante feat. Larry Harlow

Today we will be honoring a sonero who never received the acclaim and recognition he should have. His political and socially charged lyrics contributed to his lack of recognition, at one point he was even blacklisted.

Lenin Francisco Domingo Cerda was born on September 15, 1945 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He was heavily influenced by Eddie Palmieri, Ismael Quintana and Mon Rivera. Palmieri’s two trombone lineup was an important influence on Frankie and he admired Palmieri’s singer, Ismael Quintana’s vocal quality and style. In 1968 he appeared on album for the first time after he signed with Cotique. His Orquestra Flamboyan soon became widely accepted at venues and the band began recording albums.

Today i’d like to highlight the socially and politically conscious songs Dante wrote. In one song called ‘Ciencia Politica’ (Political Science) from his album ’Los Salseros de Acero’ ,Dante sings of the lies and empty promises of politicians. He calls for change and later goes on to sing, “together we will win”.

We have to change, José

the Flamboyan tells you why

We want to change the system

removing all the clowns

If the politicians don’t change

destruction will come very soon.

We have to change, José

the Flamboyan tells you why

Living with so many promises

and they never keep their words

Ciencia Politica—Frankie Dante Y Su Orchestra Flamboyan

Another song, on the same album, titled ’Me Quieren Crucificar’ (They want to crucify me) he sings of being blacklisted but goes on to say, he isn’t going to be stopped and he is always going to go ”Pa’lante” (forward). Not only does this song show what Dante was up against but it also shows his determination and strength in the face of these problems. ‘Presidente Dante’ and ‘Paz’ also exemplify his anti-war principles. ‘Paz’ was written especially against the War in Vietnam.

In a song titled ’Venceremos’ (We Shall Triumph) he calls for an end to wars and fighting. This slogan was used heavily by the Cuban government after the Cuban Revolution (and is still used today).

I don’t want war anymore,

I don’t want to fight anymore.

The time will come to live in peace,

time is approaching, the world is ending,

that is why time is approaching,

the world is ending, that is why I beg you,

we get together and we are going to win,

you’ll see. . .

Venceremos—Frankie Dante Y Orquestra Flamboyan

Because of the consciousness of Frankie’s music he was blacklisted. This inevitably led to his popularity waning. This contributes to the fact that he is rarely mentioned in the pantheon of great soneros of the 70’s. Frankie Dante died of cancer on March 1, 1993. He was only 48 years old. Though he passed much too soon his music and conciousness lives on.

¡Que viva Frankie Dante!