Omar Rojas, a veteran Venezuelan singer, composer, and the director of culture for the Lagunillas municipality in Zulia state, died on Saturday morning, November 7, 2026, after suffering a heart attack, Diario Primicia reported.
Omar Rojas Leaves a 40-Year Musical Legacy
- Omar Rojas accumulated more than 40 years of artistic trajectory in Zulia state, focusing on guaracha and tropical dance music.
- He served as the municipal director of culture for Lagunillas starting in December 2021, promoting local traditions and supporting emerging talent.
- Family members, local artists, and municipal authorities gathered for his wake in Cabimas ahead of his scheduled burial on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Life and Career in the Zulia Music Scene
Born in Ciudad Ojeda, Omar Rojas built a musical career spanning over four decades across the Costa Oriental del Lago. Early in his trajectory, he co-founded the musical group Nueva Era alongside Luis Escaray and Jaime Indriago, according to Meridiano.net. He later launched his own orchestra, Omar Rojas y su Fiesta Brava, taking his guaracha repertoire to stages throughout the region.
Among his most prominent recordings is the song Lo Daría Todo
, which he recorded in collaboration with Argenis Carruyo, known as the ‘Volcán de América’. In November 2024, his contributions were honored at the Teatro Baralt in Maracaibo, where he received the Luis Guillermo Vílchez Award and the Chiquinquirá de Uranio Award for his 45 years in the industry.
Rojas Managed Culture and Traditions in Lagunillas
Beyond his work on stage, Rojas shaped the cultural administration of his home region. Prensa Mercosur noted that he worked as a cultor and exponent of dance music before taking on official administrative responsibilities.
In December 2021, he assumed the role of director of municipal culture for the Lagunillas Municipality mayor’s office. From this position, he focused on organizing local festivities, backing new artists, and preserving the traditional folklore specific to the Costa Oriental del Lago.
Heart Attack Caused the Death of Rojas
Rojas passed away on the morning of Saturday, November 7, 2026. While municipal sources and the first medical reports confirmed his death resulted from a heart attack, Meridiano.net reported that some regional outlets circulated unverified accounts mentioning a possible second cardiac episode. The sudden news prompted an immediate wave of condolences from local authorities, cultural organizations, and fellow musicians across Zulia state.
Musicians and Authorities Pay Tribute to Rojas
By Sunday morning, November 8, 2026, an atmosphere of deep grief enveloped the Uccol funeral home in Cabimas, where family, fans, and peers gathered to pay their respects, according to El Regional del Zulia. Artists including Roberto González, Jaime Indriago, and Elvis Salgueiro attended the evening services.
During the wake, Roberto González and his son Danny Rojas performed guarachas beside the casket in a musical tribute to their late colleague. The mayor of Lagunillas, José Mosquera, also joined the mourners. Following the services in Cabimas, the funeral procession headed toward the Las Morochas sector in Ciudad Ojeda for community tributes. His remains are scheduled to be buried on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the municipal cemetery in Lagunillas.
