Mambo creator dies

Cuban-born jazz musician Israel 'Cachao' Lopez, credited with inventing the mambo, has died in Miami at the age of 89.

A family spokesman said Lopez died with his relatives around him.

He had fallen ill in the past week and died at Coral Gable Hospital, the spokesman added.

Cuban-American actor Andy Garcia, who made a 1993 documentary about the musician, praised him as the "musical father" of Cubans.

In a statement he said : "He is revered by all who have come in contact with him and his music.

"Maestro... you have been my teacher and you took me in like a son.

"I will continue to rejoice with your music and carry our traditions wherever I go, in your honour."

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, reports BBC.