Manuel Arjona, a founding member of the iconic Spanish pop group Locomía, passed away peacefully in his sleep this Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at his home in Viladecans, near Barcelona. His death was confirmed by his former bandmate Xavier Font to Efe news agency.

Arjona was part of the original Locomía lineup formed in the 1980s in Ibiza, alongside Xavier Font, Luis Font, and Gard Passchier. This group caught the attention of José Luis Gil, then president of Hispavox, who helped transform them into a sensation in late 1980s Spain with their signature fan dances, oversized shoulder pads, and pointed shoes.

The band’s first album, *Taiyo* (1989), featured hits like “Loco Mía” and “Rumba, Samba, Mambo (S.R.M.),” propelling Locomía into the UK top 10 and gaining significant popularity across Latin America. Arjona remained with the group until 1992, experiencing both the highs of their success and the internal conflicts that led to frequent lineup changes.

In 2013, Arjona was a driving force behind one of Locomía’s reunion attempts, expressing to Efe how excited he was about reviving the band’s legacy.

Arjona’s passing marks the end of an era for fans who remember Locomía not only for their flamboyant style but also for their role in shaping a unique chapter of Spanish pop culture. His contributions remain a testament to the creative spirit that defined the group’s groundbreaking approach to music and performance.