Lucecita Benítez

Lucecita Benítez (born 1942) is a Puerto Rican singer who won the Organization of Ibero-American States Festival in 1969 with "Génesis" — a song that became an anthem of Puerto Rican identity. She is considered one of the greatest voices in Puerto Rican music history.

Born in Bayamón, Benítez began performing as a teenager and became a major recording artist in the 1960s-1970s. Her repertoire ranges from boleros to protest songs, and she has been outspoken about Puerto Rican independence and cultural sovereignty.

Her version of "El Pueblo" became a protest anthem, and she has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice, Puerto Rican identity, and independence. She has been particularly vocal about the rights of Afro-Puerto Ricans and the African roots of Puerto Rican culture.

Benítez represents the tradition of the politically engaged Puerto Rican artist — one who views cultural production and political advocacy as inseparable expressions of national identity.