Cuban singer Ferrer dies

Acclaimed Cuban singer Ibrahim Ferrer died in a Havana hospital on Saturday after suffering multiple organ failure. He was 78.

Ferrer achieved international fame following the release of the 1997 album Buena Vista Social Club, which he recorded alongside leftfield American musician Ry Cooder and a host of other Cuban musical legends.

The record was such a success, film-maker Wim Wenders directed a 1999 documentary feature of the same name, featuring the various artists at work.

Ferrer was admitted to hospital on Wednesday suffering from gastroenteritis, according to his wife Caridad Diaz. He had only just returned from a month-long tour of Europe.

Manager Daniel Florestan says: "He was taken to hospital when he got back and his condition worsened. He died of multiple organ failure."

Diaz adds: "He was a very worthy person, to be admired, not only as a musician but also as a father and a husband. He completed his European tour with great bravery. We are deeply affected by his death."

Ferrer is being buried today.