Salsa legend Willy Chirino has a message for Miami college graduates
Never too late.
Willy Chirino just got an honorary doctorate in music at Florida International University in West Miami-Dade. The mention the salsa legend is 79.
Chirino received the honor on Monday afternoon during commencement at FIU’s Ocean Bank Convocation Center on the main Modesto Maidique Campus.
While conferring the doctor in music degree, FIU President Jeanette Nuñez acknowledged the Cuba native’s incredible, 50-year career.
“Not only for all he has done in music but also for the cause of freedom,” Nuñez said. “Our students understand the significance of these values deeply.”
Chirino arrived in Miami at just 14 as part of Operation Pedro Pan, armed with talent, passion and drive. The pioneer of the Miami sound has since released over 20 albums, though his works are still banned from state media in his home country. His 1991 hit “Nuestro Día Ya Viene Llegando” (”Our Day is Coming Soon”) remains an anthem for Cuban exiles.
The 2006 Grammy winner (for “Son del Alma”) also addressed the student body with an inspirational message.
“Dream it and it will happen,” Chirino told the crowd. “But don’t dream small — dream as big as you possibly can, without limits. I stand before you as living proof that it can happen.”
He ended the speech, shouting a familiar battle cry: “¡Viva Cuba libre!” — long live a free Cuba.
This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 9:25 AM.
