Santo Domingo.– Dominican culture is in mourning following the death of Inocencia Paredes, popularly known as Chencha, one of the most emblematic son dancers in the country and a key figure in the international projection of this genre.
The news was confirmed by announcer Chino Méndez, who stated: “We inform you, with great sorrow, of the passing of our Inocencia Paredes ‘Chencha’. Her body will be on display at the Blandino funeral home on Lincoln Avenue. We will announce the time later. May her soul rest in peace.”
Chencha shared her life and art with her husband José María Guerrero (Bonyé), with whom she formed the most representative son dance couple in the country and one of the most recognized in Latin America. Together they were protagonists of the resurgence of this rhythm, giving life in 1986 to the Club Nacional de Soneros, a space that marked an era in the musical and dance history of the country.
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Her complicity transcended the stage and extended to her personal life. In Bonyé’s words: “She has the same dance style as me. Nobody taught her; she was born with it. She loves to dance, she likes to get dressed up, just like me. We take care of each other; it’s a coincidence of nature, because we coincide in many things.”
In honor of her career, the Santo Domingo Este City Hall inaugurated in 2022 the tourist and recreational space “Chencha, Espacio Abierto”, under the management of then-mayor Manuel Jiménez. Located on the banks of the Ozama River, just below the Mella Bridge, this place became a tribute in life to the dancer and a meeting point for families and lovers of son.
