On the eve of the release of Maria Cafra’s third album and first in 33 years, former bassist, Dennis Fabunan passed away last Monday, January 30.
Dennis Fabunan is the son of the band’s original bassist Jun and the nephew of band leader, vocalist, and guitarist Resty Fabunan.
After Jun passed away due to a heart attack in 2002, it put an end to the band. Dennis however, after years of pleading, managed to convince his uncle to continue the band. Maria Cafra returned to live performing in 2011 with Dennis on bass.
He remained with the band until 2017 when Raul Clemente replaced him on bass in time for the Pinoy Superblast concert at the Cuneta Astrodome.
“Si Dennis nagudyok sa aking na bumalik sa tugtugan,” confirmed Resty. “Nagne-negosyo na kami ng misis ko at pilit niya ipagpatuloy ang Maria Cafra. Napapayag niya rin ako.”
Along with the Juan dela Cruz Band, Anakbayan, and Sampaguita, Maria Cafra was at the forefront of the Pinoy Rock movement of the 1970s. In addition to their hits “Kumusta Mga Kaibigan,” “Exodus,” and “Buhay Gapo,” the band was infamously known for its fiery onstage performances where Resty literally burned his guitar to the delight of fans.
Maria Cafra released their self-titled debut album in 1978. It took 12 years for their follow up album, Ikalawang Yugto to be released in 1990, and even a longer 33 years in 2023 for their third album, Gintong Musika at Panahon to be made available.
Drummer Rolly Averilla credits Dennis with Maria Cafra’s second life.
During the hiatus of the band, drummer Rolly Averilla, who was operating a taxi service, found himself in the vicinity of Jun Fabunan’s residence in Las Piñas. A chance meeting with Dennis led to the latter pushing for the reformation of Maria Cafra.
“Isang malaking blessing sa pagbalik namin ay dahil kay Dennis,” said the drummer. “The original plan was to take up residency as a band in South Korea but the death of Jun changed that. Denis pushed us to reform.”
“Malungkot ako sa pagkamatay ng pamangkin ko na anak ng aking kapatid,” lamented Resty. “Malaking bagay silang dalawa sa buhay ko at sa banda namin.”
The long absence from the local music scene caused fans to flock to Maria Cafra’s shows once more.
Dennis left the band in 2017 to pursue other things. Current bassist Raul Clemente took over and has been a part of the band ever since.
Maria Cafra will launch their new album, Gintong Musika at Panahon, this coming Friday, February 10 at the 70s Bistro with their friends Bughaw Brew, Jesse Bartolome, and Lolita Carbon joining in the live performances.
Gintong Musika at Panahon is the initial release of independent label Eikon Records and comes in gatefold format and on black vinyl.
Image credits: Felipe Fernandez, Jr.