Ñico Saquito

Ñico Saquito
Background information
Birth nameBenito Antonio Fernández Ortiz
Born(1901-02-13)13 February 1901
Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Died4 August 1982(1982-08-04) (aged 81)
Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
GenresTrova, guaracha, guajira
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals
Years active1917–1982
LabelsRCA Victor, Panart, EGREM

Benito Antonio Fernández Ortiz (13 February 1901 4 August 1982), better known as Ñico Saquito, was a Cuban trova songwriter, guitarist and singer. He is widely considered the most prolific and successful composer of guarachas, most of which he wrote during his stint as a member of Los Guaracheros de Oriente. Among his most enduring compositions are "Cuidadito compay gallo", "María Cristina", "Adiós compay gato", "Al vaivén de mi carreta", "Camina como Chencha" and "Amarrao compé".