An unusual event shook the world capital of vallenato following the inauguration of two monuments honoring singer Rafael Orozco and accordionist Israel Romero, founders of Binomio de Oro. Less than 24 hours after their unveiling, the Valledupar Mayor’s Office ordered the immediate removal of the sculptures because the faces failed to meet the minimum similarity to the artists represented, sparking a wave of criticism and mockery on social media.
Valledupar mayor orders removal of Binomio de Oro sculptures: chronicle of a failed inauguration
The event took place during the 59th edition of the Vallenato Legend Festival, held annually in Valledupar. Mayor Ernesto Orozco Duran presided over the ceremony at the iconic Parque de la Provincia (also known as Guatapuri River Ecopark), a site that houses other tributes to folklore greats such as Carlos Vives, Diomedes Diaz, and Martin Elias.
The ceremony was attended by central figures of the Binomio dynasty, including accordionist Israel Romero, “El Pollo Irra” (one of the subjects), and Clara Elena Cabello, widow of Rafael Orozco, who was accompanied by her daughters.
Although the ceremony was emotional, enthusiasm turned to bewilderment when the cloths fell. Attendees immediately noticed that the statues featured distorted facial features. On social media, citizens compared the figure of Rafael Orozco to comedy show characters and pointed out that the face looked like that of a stranger rather than the idol of romantic vallenato.
The artist and the official response
Sculptor Jhon Peñaloza, who has a recognized career in the region for other monuments, took responsibility for the work. Peñaloza explained that errors during the final casting stage or the application of the patina altered the shadows and features he had originally modeled in clay. The artist admitted that the final result failed in representing the figures and accepted the challenge of reconstructing the pieces.
The work remains under warranty and is part of a municipal project involving three additional sculptures. “The contract is in the liquidation stage and lasts 12 months; there are warranty policies, and we have made the requirements to the sculptor, who will make the necessary improvements,” stated Yanelis Gonzalez Maestre, head of the Valledupar Culture Office.
Details of a story with a tragicomic flavor
The event quickly escalated from cultural news to an entertainment trend. Although Clara Elena Cabello maintained her composure during the event, those close to her expressed shock at the lack of fidelity in Rafael’s face. Tourists who managed to see the works before their removal joked about the statue’s resemblance to an unknown look-alike or a distant cousin of the singer.
By direct order of the mayor, municipal workers arrived at the park during the early morning hours, dismantled the structures, and transported them back to the artist’s workshop for remodeling. Currently, the pedestal at Parque de la Provincia stands empty, waiting for the corrected versions of Orozco and Romero to return — this time with a likeness that allows followers and family to recognize them at first sight.