Renowned Puerto Rican Percussionist Rufino "Chano" O’Ferral Passed Away in February

By Tanya O’Ferral

In loving memory of Rufino "Chano" O’Ferral who was born in Puerto Rico in 1944 and died in New York on Feb 6 2008, after a long battle  with cancer.

As a boy in the housing projects of the Lower Westside of Manhattan, Rufino started banging on pots and pans. He acquired the nickname Chano after the famous Cuban conguero Chano Puzo.

Never receiving any formal tuition, Chano kept developing his talent, playing whenever/ wherever he could. He worked as a community social worker and then joined Roy Ayers’ Ubiquity in the early 1970s playing congas, percussion, and vocals. He composed songs such as "Love is Love" and "Life is Just a Moment" (Part 1 and 2).

When he left the band, he gave his drums to a budding young musician who lived in the same projects where Chano grew up. Chano lit up the room with his smile and crazy sense of humor. He always had a new tape with songs he recorded and wanted to share with his friends and family. 

He is survived by his parents, Manuel and Consuelo, whom he cared for until his death; his sisters Eugenia and Laly, his brother Carlos, his children Cabin and Tanya, who has recently given him a grandson Lucas, already banging on pots and pans.

The music lives on. Yes indeed Chano "Life is Just a Moment" . We shall miss you and your music.