Manuel Ortiz Guerrero Biography

Manuel Ortiz Guerrero was a Paraguayan poet, playwright and musician. He is regarded as one of the most prolific writers in Paraguay, who rose to popularity through his works in Spanish and Guarani, in particular. His interest in poetry developed while he was still a young student. By the time he reached college, he had become a full-fledged poet, who later established as a renowned writer by publishing his works in the college student magazine. The 1920s period proved highly fruitful for him as he released several of his poems, apart from authoring two plays. His encounter with Paraguayan musician and creator of Guarania music genre led to the composition of the song ‘India’ which was later declared as the ‘national song’ by the Paraguayan government in 1944. Besides, he went on to create some amazing Guarania songs, like ‘Cerro Cora’, ‘Kerasy’, ‘Nde rendape aju’, and ‘Panambi Vera’, which are still considered classic pieces. However, his leprous condition, which he contracted as a teenager, together with the Hansen’s disease, cut short his literary career, ending his life at a very young age. Nevertheless, he works touched the lives of many Guarani readers through his impressive poetic productions, which is why he is counted among the most loved literary figures in Paraguay