At just 11 years old, Osmar Rivas is sharing traditional Paraguayan music with audiences across the country through performances, cultural events and media appearances. The sixth-grade student, guitarist and pianist has already taken the stage at venues including El Cabildo and the Municipal Theatre Ignacio A. Pane while promoting the values of learning, perseverance and cultural appreciation. Through his music and storytelling, he hopes to inspire other children to develop their talents and connect with Paraguay’s artistic traditions.
“I first discovered that I liked reciting poetry,” Osmar tells The Asunción Times. “That was at the house of my teacher, Don Isidro Cabral. I saw a sign on his door, read it aloud and memorised it quickly. I surprised him with the way I recited it. Then he gave me the complete poem, I learned it, and that is how everything started.”
Where a passion begins
Osmar, from the Asunción neighbourhood of Loma Pytá, traces the beginning of his artistic journey to that unexpected moment with Cabral, whom he now considers his greatest mentor. The experience sparks an interest in performance and expression that soon expands into music. Before long, he develops a strong desire to learn the guitar and turns to his father for support.
“I had wanted a guitar for a long time. I told my father, and he bought one for me.” Today, Osmar Rivas focuses on both guitar and piano while balancing his studies and other activities. His enthusiasm remains based on a simple goal that guides every performance and rehearsal. “What I enjoy most about singing and playing the guitar is that I can motivate more people to do it as well.”
Family and mentors behind the journey
The young performer speaks warmly about the people who support him. He credits his father, Héctor Riveros, and teacher Isidro Cabral for helping him develop his abilities and creating opportunities to share his work with wider audiences.
“Thanks to my father, I have my programme on Radio Nacional del Paraguay and Channel 15.2,” Osmar explains. “And my teacher, Don Isidro Cabral, never doubts me. With him, everything started.”
Riveros describes the experience as rewarding for the entire family. Travelling together allows them to meet new people, discover new places and encourage other parents to support their children’s interests.
“It is very beautiful,” Riveros says. “Through this, we get to know many people and many places. We also try to motivate other parents to accompany their children.”
Performing across Paraguay
Although still very young, Osmar has already appeared at several important venues. He recalls performing at El Cabildo as one of his most memorable experiences. He also takes part in productions at the Municipal Theatre Ignacio A. Pane, where he portrays characters connected to Paraguayan history.
“Every stage that I am given is the best one.”
His repertoire shows his appreciation for traditional music. He enjoys interpreting slow songs, polkas, guaranias and waltzes while drawing inspiration from renowned Paraguayan artists.
“Mainly at the national level, I admire Don Isidro Cabral,” he says. “Also José Asunción Flores, the creator of the guarania, Arsenio Zárate and Emiliano R. Fernández.”
A dream for the next generation
One memory stands above many others. During a San Juan celebration in Encarnación, organisers invited Osmar to sing and share historical stories with the audience. Afterwards, he learned that some children left inspired by what they witnessed.
“They said, ‘Now I am going to read. I want to be like him.” For the young musician, inspiring others represents the true value of performing.
Looking ahead, he sets an ambitious but humble goal. “I want to become at least ten percent of what Don Isidro Cabral and the people I admire are.”
Before ending the conversation, Osmar Rivas shares advice for children who dream of learning an instrument. “Study and do not get tired, study a lot and keep growing. Keep learning.” He closes with a message inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words. “I have a dream, I dream of a new generation of young people who grow up with values. Values such as love, respect and gratitude.”
Also read: A Rollercoaster Of Emotions: Paraguayan Musician Bastianes About His Latest Release.
