Buena Vista Social Club double bassist and joint founding member Orlando 'Cachaito' Lopez has died at the age of 76.

A statement released today confirmed that Lopez died in hospital in his native Havana, Cuba from complications after prostrate surgery.

The band's trumpeter Manuel 'Guajiro' Mirabal paid homage to his friend, saying: "It is a great loss for the group and for Cuban music because he was a superb bassist and a brilliant band mate.

"He was an excellent person and the quality of his music was, honestly, unparalleled."

Cuban musician Manuel Galban told the Associated Press: "I will remember him as marvellous, both in his music and as a person.”

(by Scott Colothan)