Influential DJ Alfredo, who played a huge part in Ibiza becoming a world-renowned hub of dance music culture, has died aged 71.
The Guardian newspaper reports that, while the cause of his death is not yet known, Alfredo had suffered a stroke in 2021 and was living in a retirement home.
In response to the news of Alfredo’s death, Amnesia, the club where he had his residency during the 1980s, wrote on Instagram: “Thank you for the nights and beats we shared together. Your music and vision shaped the sound of Balearic Beat and the soul of Amnesia. So many memories were made through your energy, your legacy will live on our dancefloor forever. You will never be forgotten.”
Born Alfredo Florito in Argentina, the dance music enthusiast moved to Europe in 1976, finally settling in Ibiza, where he learnt to DJ in a bar.
He went on to host a longtime residency at the club Amnesia where he championed what The Guardian described as “heady, sensual music across the genre spectrum, from high-gloss soft rock to pop, reggae, disco, funk, electro and early house: a euphoric blend that came to define the bohemian spirit of the Balearic island.”
Alfredo moved to take up residencies at different clubs on the island, as well as performing internationally.
Following his death, musicians began paying tribute, including Faithless artist Sister Bliss, who said: “Safe to say he changed the world of music for the better.”
Defected Records said: “Rest in peace to one of the greatest to ever do it. Ibiza would not be the same without him.”