When in 2001 the album La rumba soy yo by Los Muñequitos de Matanzas won the Latin Grammy Award, it was only doing justice to the successful career of this Cuban group. This group was born on the edge of a river and with an imprint that runs through the powerful Afro-Cuban rhythms.
The Cuban romantic song has been renewed in recent years, and it has been largely thanks to a voice that captivates crowds: Waldo Mendoza.
This interpreter, one of the most requested on radio and TV, has filled the hearts of Cubans
Pancho Céspedes is a Cuban songwriter and singer with an exceptional voice, true heir of great performers of the bolero and the feeling like Bola de Nieve.
En la secuencia que introduce la más reverenciada de todas las películas cubanas (Memorias del subdesarrollo, del realizador Tomás Gutiérrez Alea) se escucha sonar la música de un grupo que, durante poco más de un minuto y medio, repite la frase: «¿Dónde está Teresa?»
If we want to talk about the popular traditions of Cuban music, we have to talk about Yoruba Andabo. This musical group is an example of versatility and authenticity in the representation of Cuban musical diversity.
The history of vocal quartets in Cuba would not be complete without the mention of Los Zafiros. With only four voices and the accompaniment of an electric guitar, this Cuban musical group from the 60’s and 70’s, succeeded not only in the island but also outside it.
There are facts that say that the musical talent is on the genes, and it is transmitted from one generation to another. This is the case of the Cuban singer Haydée Milanés, whose name can only be associated with his father, the celebrated guitarist, composer and songwriter of the Nueva Trova, Pablo Milanés.
How a great musician is form? Definitely, talent is an aspect which influences, as well as family and social environment. However, practical and theoretical studies are essential: even self-learners at some point have to recur to a teacher, if they wish to advance their musical career.
Adalberto Alvarez, also known as “El Caballero del Son”, is a Cuban pianist, singer, composer and bandleader.
Few countries in the world can afford to have a musical heritage as rich as Cuba. To study Cuban music you must understand what a phenomenon with a number of factors, our island was fortunate to have.