Representative image created by Grok AI
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Charly García, one of the pillars of Argentine rock. The ceremony, held in the Aula Magna of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, not only celebrated the musician's career but also represented a bridge between academia and popular culture.
In the Aula Magna, the room was filled with students, teachers, family members, and fans. Among the familiar faces were musicians like Fito Páez, Litto Nebbia, and León Gieco, along with other artists, such as Marta Minujín, who came together to pay tribute to an icon who has influenced their own creations.
The reason for this Doctor Honoris Causa lies in García's profound impact on national culture. In his speech, Ricardo Manetti stated: "Charly brings us all together; he is a symbol of our national culture. His music not only entertains but narrates the transformations of Argentina, from the darkness of the dictatorship to the democratic effervescence, merging rock, tango, jazz, and folklore into a urban poetics that both denounce and celebrate."
Charly García arrived at the Aula Magna in a wheelchair, dressed in his characteristic style, and was met with a great ovation that resonated in the walls. At the climax of the ceremony, Graciela Morgade recalled that García's music became the soundtrack of many people's lives, highlighting its influence across generations. Upon receiving the diploma and medal from Rector Ricardo Gelpi, Charly García smiled and exclaimed ironically: "From now on, I will call myself Doctor Charly García." He added a personal comment: "I always felt a little like a doctor... of music, and now UBA gives me the official title. It’s not for the money, okay?", which elicited general laughter and additional applause.
The event generated immediate repercussions in the media, especially on social networks, where the hashtag #CharlyDoctorHonorisCausa trended, with thousands of posts from fans, musicians, and many others. Magazines like Rolling Stone Argentina highlighted the ceremony as a step towards the academic validation of popular music.
This doctorate means much more: it is the validation of an artist who broke down barriers, integrating anti-system perspectives with intellectual reflection, positioning Charly as an essential chronicler of Argentine identity. Ultimately, this title is not just for him but for an entire generation that grew up with his music and now sees his work recognized by one of the best universities on the continent.
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