Antonio Caban Vale

Antonio Caban Vale a.k.a. "El Topo" (born November 22, 1942 in Moca, Puerto Rico) is a noted composer and singer of Puerto Rican folklore themes.

Caban was born and raised in the town of Moca which is located in the western part of Puerto Rico. There he received his primary and secondary education. Caban moved to San Juan and in 1961, enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico. He wrote poems as a student which were published in the university's publication "Guajara". It was during his university years that he was nicknamed "El Topo", a name which was to stay with him forever. In 1966, Caban earned his Bachelor's Degree in Arts and Social Sciences.

Soon after his graduation, Caban became a public school teacher, a job which he held for two years. In the 1970s, he formed a group called "Taone" and added music to his poems. He was the lead singer. Among the first songs which Caban recorded and that made him famous in Puerto Rico were "Flor de Amapola" (Amapola Flower); "Que Bonita Luna" (What a Beautiful Moon); "Donde vas Maria" (Where are you going Maria?) and "Canciones de Amantes" (Songs for Lovers). The Department of Services against Drugs used his song "Espresa lo que Siente" (Express what you Feel) as their theme. In the 1990s, he wrote and recorded "La Patira Va"; "Un Metro de Ternura" and "Luz Verde" (Green Light), which has also been intrepreted by the Argentine singer Ginamaria Hidalgo.

Caban published two books with his poems. The first book titled "Un Lugar Fuera de Tiempo" (A Place from Another Time) is based on his experiences as a young man in his hometown Moca. The second book "Penultima Salida" (The exit before the Last), deals with his personal quest in search for the "truth".

Caban is currently touring and promoting his latest recording "Inmensamente". His music includes the use of musical instruments, which are typically Puerto Rican such as the "Cuatro" (A Puerto Rican Guitar) and the "Guiro".

In 2001, the 6th International Book Fair celebrated at the Roberto Clemente Colesium in San Juan was dedicated to Antonio "El Topo" Caban Vale.

See also

• List of famous Puerto Ricans