A Devastating Loss for Los Tekis and the Folk Music Community
On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the Argentine folk music scene received heartbreaking news: José Luis 'Pucho' Ponce, the historic bassist of Los Tekis, died at the age of 68. The band confirmed the news through their social media, sharing a message full of pain and gratitude.
Ponce, born in Villa María, Córdoba, on December 29, 1957, had been diagnosed with a complicated illness two months earlier and suffered a setback from which he could not recover, according to La Voz del Interior. On the morning of Tuesday, it had been reported that he was in intensive care at the Instituto Modelo de Cardiología in Córdoba.
The Band's Heartfelt Farewell
On their Instagram account, Los Tekis wrote:
“Friend, brother, companion of music and life… There are no words to express the void we feel right now. Today you are no longer physically with us, but your spirit transcends in every song and in every carnival heart. Part of your creative, joyful, optimistic soul—the artist, the poet—will keep accompanying us.”
The message continues: “We still don't understand, yesterday talking nonsense and today not being able to hug you. How we will miss those warm hugs of a good man, the mate chats among thousands of anecdotes, and the laughter that the road gave us. A huge thank you for so much! We were lucky to cross paths with a great guy like you. We will miss you a lot, manyin!!! Until the next carnival, we will meet again, when the time comes. We love you forever. Los Tekis”.
Key Facts
- Full name: José Luis Ponce
- Nickname: “Pucho”
- Age: 68 years
- Birth: Dec 29, 1957, Villa María, Córdoba
- Joined Los Tekis: 1995
- Instrument: Bass
- Death: Aug 19, 2026
Career and Legacy
Ponce joined Los Tekis in 1995, almost from the band's beginnings, and for over three decades he was a fundamental piece of their sound. Before Los Tekis, he had been part of a rock group called Universo and, in the late 1980s, traveled to Italy where he spent seven years playing Latin music and Latin jazz. That experience enriched his style and brought a cosmopolitan vision to Andean folk music.
In addition to being a musician, Ponce was a draftsman, with a very personal technique: he created his works with a single line, lifting the pencil only when necessary. He held exhibitions in Argentina and abroad. His artistic side was highlighted by the band in their farewell.
Los Tekis, originally from San Salvador de Jujuy, are one of the most recognized folk groups in Argentina, known for their fusion of Andean rhythms with modern sounds. Carnival is their most emblematic celebration, which is why the band's final message was: “Until the next carnival”.
Reactions from Fellow Artists
The news sparked an outpouring of condolences in the music world. Soledad Pastorutti wrote: “What a great sadness… how we will miss this great companion. I hug you with all my strength, friends… love to you and to the family of my friend Pucho.”
Juan Fuentes, Ahyre, Los Nocheros, Ceibo, Campedrinos, Nico Galleguillo, Axel, and many others also expressed their pain. Raúl Sencillez, drummer of Los Caligaris, wrote: “We will miss you, Eternal Hug!!!”. Television host Maia Sasovsky also said goodbye.
Farewell and Wake
According to La Voz, Pucho Ponce's remains will be waked this same Wednesday at the Minoli funeral home (Rafael Núñez 3849, Cerro de las Rosas, Córdoba) until 4:00 PM. The musician was a fan of Talleres (a local football club), so many fans are expected to come and pay their last respects.