Gabino Ezeiza

Gabino Ezeiza, nicknamed "Black Ezeiza", was an Argentine musician.

Ezeiza was one of the greatest performers in the art of the payada. He became renowned, both in his native land and in Uruguay, after a memorable encounter with Oriental payador Juan de Nava, who carried at the time a certain halo of invincibility. This celebrated contest was held in the city of Paysandú on July 23 1884, in front of one of the largest crowds ever to gather for a payada duel. Ezeiza was eventually proclaimed the winner with the improvisation of his famous "Saludo a Paysandú". A recording of this song is the only existing record of Ezeiza's voice. He went on to become one of the greatest payadores in the history of the art form. He was also well known for his sense of humor.