In Memoriam: Humberto “Pupi” Menes (1948–2022)

Humberto “Pupi” Menes, a Cuban-born percussionist who performed with many New Orleans bands, died on February 1 due to complications from COVID-19. He was 73.

Humberto “Pupi” Menes

Born in Havana, Cuba, Menes arrived in the U.S. at age 14 and finished high school in New Orleans where his passion for music began. He went on to attend Nicholls State University in Thibodeaux. His career as a percussionist took off in the 1960s in Miami. Before settling again in New Orleans, he played drums for the rock band Ocean. During his years in New Orleans, he played with several groups, including Rubén “Mr. Salsa” González, Santiago, Otra, Caliente, Freddy Omar, The Iguanas and Elegant Gypsy, among others.

Menes’ distinct style of drumming mixed tumbadora, chekere and bongo, building on his reputation as one of New Orleans’ greatest congueros (conga players) of his time.

Members of the Iguanas paid tribute to Menes in a Facebook post: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that our good friend and former band mate Humberto “Pupi” Menes has passed. Pupi was a fixture with The Iguanas in the early days playing congas and bongos with us at the Maple Leaf, Café Brasil and Rock n Bowl, at Jazz Fest and on the road. He appears on the first two Iguanas albums.

“Rod [Hodges] says it best: Pupi was not only a great authentic Cuban percussionist but a beautiful and sweet person, always there with a laugh or a joke. He was a huge part of the New Orleans music community and brought the Latin music feel to New Orleans music and especially the Frenchmen Street scene in the early ’90s. Without guys like Pupi, New Orleans music would sound very different. Jelly Roll Morton would agree. We’re gonna miss you brother. En paz descanses hermano, te vamos a extrañar.”

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass at St. Dominic Church, 775 Harrison Avenue in New Orleans, on Saturday, February 19, at noon. Burial will immediately follow at St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1, located at 5000 Canal Street. The mass will be livestreamed on the St. Dominic Parish website.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Menes’ honor to the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation.