The music world is mourning the loss of José Luis "Pucho" Ponce, the revered bassist of the iconic Argentine folk group Los Tekis, who passed away early Wednesday morning, August 19th, at the age of 68. The news was confirmed by the band through their official social media channels, where his bandmates shared a deeply emotional tribute that underscored the profound void his departure leaves. "There are no words that can express the emptiness we feel at this moment," the group stated, their message reflecting the shock and grief felt by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.
A Pillar of Argentine Folk Music
Ponce, a native of Villa María, Córdoba, became an integral part of Los Tekis in 1995. For over three decades, he was not merely a bassist but a foundational element in shaping the distinctive sound and enduring identity of the Jujuy-based ensemble. His steady rhythm and melodic contributions were instrumental in Los Tekis’ rise to prominence, solidifying their status as leading figures in Argentine folk and Andean music. His tenure with the band coincided with their most prolific and celebrated periods, marked by numerous successful albums, critical acclaim, and a devoted following across Argentina and beyond.
The band’s heartfelt statement further elaborated on the depth of their loss: "Friend, brother, companion in music and in life… We still can’t comprehend it – yesterday we were chatting and joking, and today we can’t even hug you." This poignant recollection speaks to the personal bonds forged over years of shared experiences, both on and off stage. The musicians lamented the loss of "those warm hugs from such a kind soul, the mate conversations filled with countless anecdotes, and the laughter you brought along the way." They emphasized Ponce’s significant presence, describing it as "always strong, valuable, immense – just like your heart, Puchito. So many years together, so many shared dreams."
Background of a Dedicated Musician
According to reports from the Argentine outlet La Gaceta, Ponce’s passing followed a decline in his health due to a complicated illness that had been diagnosed approximately two months prior to his death. This information provides a somber context for his sudden departure, highlighting a battle with illness that, while perhaps not widely publicized, ultimately proved insurmountable.
Ponce’s musical journey began before his impactful involvement with Los Tekis. He was a member of the rock band Universo, a precursor to his later immersion in folk music. In the late 1980s, he embarked on a significant period of his life, relocating to Italy. During his seven years in Europe, he honed his musical skills by performing with various salsa and Latin jazz ensembles, broadening his stylistic palette and global perspective. This international experience undoubtedly enriched his musicality, which he later brought to the unique sound of Los Tekis.
A Legacy of Musical Achievement
Ponce’s collaboration with Los Tekis resulted in an impressive discography, encompassing 15 studio albums. His contributions spanned from the band’s 1997 release, Cantas Tú, Canto Yo, to their most recent album, Todos Nos Vamos a Morir Igual (2023). This latest project featured notable collaborations with artists such as Los Auténticos Decadentes and Bacilos, showcasing the band’s continued evolution and relevance in the contemporary music scene.
One of the band’s most significant achievements during Ponce’s tenure was their collaboration with the acclaimed Salta-based group Los Nocheros on the album Carnaval, Pasión del Norte (2011). This landmark project garnered Los Tekis a prestigious Gardel Award for Best Folk Group Album, a testament to their artistry and the quality of their collective work. The album included the track "Vienes y Te Vas," which has since achieved remarkable popularity, accumulating nearly 23 million streams on Spotify – a statistic that underscores the broad reach and enduring appeal of their music.
Within Los Tekis, Ponce played alongside a core group of musicians who became synonymous with the band’s sound. These included Sebastián López on vocals, Mauro Coletti on wind instruments, Walter Sader on guitars, and founding drummer Juanjo Pestoni, who retired in 2025. This cohesive unit, with Ponce’s basslines providing the essential rhythmic foundation, created a musical synergy that resonated deeply with audiences.
Beyond Music: A Passion for Art
In addition to his distinguished musical career, José Luis "Pucho" Ponce cultivated a passion for visual art in his later years. He discovered a talent for drawing, developing a distinctive personal style characterized by simple strokes and single-line illustrations. His artwork gained recognition and was exhibited in various venues across Argentina and internationally, revealing another facet of his creative spirit. This artistic pursuit offered a complementary avenue for his expressive nature, demonstrating a multi-talented individual whose creativity extended beyond musical performance.
Contextualizing Los Tekis’ Impact
Los Tekis emerged from the province of Jujuy, a region deeply rooted in Andean cultural traditions. Their music often draws inspiration from these indigenous roots, blending them with contemporary folk and popular music elements. This fusion has allowed them to connect with a wide audience, transcending regional boundaries and becoming cultural ambassadors for Argentine folk music. Ponce’s role as bassist was crucial in anchoring this unique sound, providing a bridge between traditional rhythms and modern arrangements.
The band’s participation in significant cultural events further highlights their standing. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Los Tekis were among more than 300 Argentine artists who took part in the virtual festival "Argentina En La Casa," an initiative organized by Billboard Argentina. This event showcased the resilience of the arts community during a challenging period and demonstrated Los Tekis’ commitment to engaging with their audience even under extraordinary circumstances.
Reactions and Tributes
While the initial statement came from the band, it is expected that tributes and expressions of condolence will continue to pour in from fellow musicians, cultural figures, and fans across the Argentine music landscape and beyond. The loss of a musician of Ponce’s caliber and longevity leaves an indelible mark on the genre. His contributions to Argentine folk music are significant, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by all who have been touched by his talent and his presence within Los Tekis.
The band’s statement, imbued with personal affection and profound sadness, serves as a powerful testament to the man and the artist José Luis "Pucho" Ponce was. The "emptiness" they describe is a sentiment shared by many who have followed Los Tekis’ journey. His legacy will continue through the band’s extensive discography and the countless performances that brought joy and cultural resonance to audiences for decades. The memory of his warm spirit, his musical artistry, and his contributions to Argentine folk music will undoubtedly endure.
The band concluded their message with a poignant farewell: "Your presence was always strong, valuable, immense – just like your heart, Puchito. So many years together, so many shared dreams." This sentiment encapsulates the deep respect and affection he inspired. The world of music has lost a true artist, and the void left by José Luis "Pucho" Ponce will be profoundly felt.
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