Cuba has been the birthplace of renowned singers of the song of all time. Several singers mark this stage in the history of Cuban music, among them: Lino Gorges, Maureen de los Ángeles Iznaga y Ordoñez, Beatriz Márquez Castro, Alfredo Rodríguez, Sergio Farias, Mayra Caridad Valdés, Xiomara Laugart, Rita Del Prado, Augusto Enríquez, Angel Bonne, Issac Felipe Delgado-Ramirez, Amaury Gutiérrez, Lourdes Libertad Beci Torres, Mayito Rivera, Lázara Ribadavia, Raúl Paz, Leyanis López, Waldo Mendoza, Francisco Fabián Céspedes Rodríguez, Osdalgia Lesmes Etchevarría, Alain Daniel, Joe Michel Maza Márquez, Francisco José Freeman, Evelyn García Márquez, Luis Téllez Borrego and Pedro Lugo Martínez. Popular orchestra conductors are also leading singers in their groups, such as David Álvarez, Cándido Fabré and Pablo Fernández Gallo.

Severo Alberto Borges Abreu, better known as Lino Borges, is a Cuban singer who was a member of various groups such as Casablanca, Universal, Rumbavana, Casino, and Saratoga, a group with which he remained faithfully for two decades until he broke through with his solo career.

He was frequently identified by the media as “The Voice of Bolero” due to his mastery of the genre, as evidenced by his extensive discography. He was recognized by musicologists on the island as one of the most important male bolero singers in Cuba.

Maureen de los Ángeles Iznaga y Ordoñez is a Cuban singer who appeared on the television program “Todo el mundo canta” in 1980, winning second prize at the Grand Annual. This award, along with her excellent track record as an amateur artist, earned her a spot on the professional scene in 1981, awarded by the Cuban Workers’ Union and the Ministry of Culture.

Her melodious and melodious voice has toured the country on successful national tours. The song “Alfonsina” was her first major hit as a performer. Considered by many to be a distinguished singer for her unique voice and her authentic approach to performing, she has performed in various editions of the Adolfo Guzmán Cuban Popular Music Competition. The prestigious Casa del Bolero Dos Gardenias has included Maureen in its artistic catalog since 1995, and her musical career has been widely publicized on radio and television throughout the country.

Beatriz Márquez Castro performs musical genres such as Romantic Song, Feeling, and Bolero. She is known to the Cuban public as La Musicalísima. She has won important awards, including the EGREM Grand Prize (1978). She has shared the stage with major musical artists, including Compay Segundo.

Alfredo Rodríguez, in addition to being a singer, is a composer and has worked as a host of television programs, including Su noche con Alfredo (Your Night with Alfredo), En familia con Alfredo (Family with Alfredo), and Buenas Tardes (Good Afternoons). His repertoire includes works by composers such as Armando Manzanero, Bobby Capó, Roberto Cantoral, and Augusto Algueró. He is one of the most popular singers in Cuba.

Sergio Farías, singer and composer, graduated from the Instituto Superior de Arte de Cuba (1110 120th Street between 9th and 13th Streets, Cubanacán, Playa, Havana) with a singing specialty. He made his professional debut on the program Todo el Mundo Canta, where he won first place and the Popularity Award. In the “Adolfo Guzmán” Competition, he won the Grand Prize at the Guzmán Provincial and second place in the National Performance Award.

Mayra Caridad Valdés, a prominent Cuban singer, is also known as the queen of Cuban Latin jazz or the Goddess of the Sea. She is a contralto with a range from soprano to mezzo, and has a broad, very brilliant register with even color. She performs jazzy songs with rubateo and the obligatory improvisations. She has a broad repertoire, including songs such as Obatalá, Yemayá, and Canto a Dios and Alma mía by Benny Moré.

In 1980, she appeared as a guest at a Harry Belafonte concert at the Karl Marx Theater (1010 1st Ave., Miramar, Playa, Havana). The following year, she began a three-month tour of Japan. Along with Irakere, she participated in the Tierrazo Jazz Festival, held at the Centro de Bellas Artes in Puerto Rico. In 2001, she decided to record her first solo album, titled La Diosa Del Amor (The Goddess of Love). She performed songs such as Bounce Billie, Como Fue, Drume Negrita, Mambo “Influenciado” de Chucho, and others.

Xiomara Laugart, a prominent Cuban singer considered one of the leading voices of Cuban Trova and Feeling. In 1980, she participated in the Adolfo Guzmán Cuban Music Competition, where she placed third. In 1984, she toured several Latin American countries, including Honduras and Costa Rica. Her monthly performances at the legendary Zinc Bar in New York have been hailed by the press and the public as legendary.

Rita Del Prado, Cuban troubadour and singer-songwriter, began her career as a creator within the amateur student artist movement at the University of Havana. Beginning in the 1990s, she began pursuing musical studies and professionally dedicating herself to the creation and performance of her own songs. In 2010, she received the Cubadisco Grand Prize for “En guarandinga por toda Cuba.” She has received numerous awards, including the Abril Prize (1997) for her children’s collection. She has participated in numerous albums, both as a writer and singer.

Augusto Enríquez Hernández, Cuban singer and composer, began his artistic career in the group Moncada, performing at the University of Havana (University Avenue and Vedado neighborhood, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana), where he performed as a vocalist and remained with the group for several years. He later decided to pursue a solo career, quickly becoming known nationally and internationally. He has achieved numerous successes throughout his career, participating in festivals and concerts in various countries.

His artistic achievements include his performance at Music Bridge, held in 1999, the first week-long gathering of American and Cuban artists in Havana for music-making workshops. Among the accolades he has garnered throughout his career, we can mention the 2004 Cubadisco Award for his CD, La bolita.

Angel Bonne, a prominent Cuban singer and composer; Galaxia, Santiago Feliú’s group, Beatriz Márquez’s group, where he served as director, Grupo Granma, the Cuban Modern Music Orchestra of his hometown, and Los Van Van; are Cuban orchestras that Bonne has been a part of since graduating in the 1980s. He remained with Juan Formell’s Van Van for five years, working as a saxophonist, arranger, and singer. He has also worked in diverse musical genres such as jazz, Nueva Trova, and popular music.

Issac Felipe Delgado-Ramirez, better known as Issac Delgado, is a Cuban salsa singer who joined the group led by Pacho Alonso in 1983, thus beginning his career as a professional musician. Five years later, he joined NG La Banda, one of the most popular Cuban music orchestras, as a vocalist. He recorded his vocal talent on three albums and achieved great acclaim. He founded his own orchestra in 1991.

Amaury Gutiérrez, Cuban composer and performer, traveled to the Cuban capital, where he worked with Arturo Sandoval, who was impressed by his a cappella work. From there, he joined the group that used to accompany Silvio Rodríguez, Afrocuba. He performed as a singer for two years.

As a composer, his lyrics are drawn from diverse sources, including literature. He has set to music works by José Martí and other Cuban poets of his generation. His songs feature the guitar as their primary instrument. Among his accolades are the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award (2000), from the Premio Onda in Spain.

Lourdes Libertad Beci Torres, Cuban singer; at 18, she turned professional. While taking classes in music theory, solfeggio, and singing, she decided in 1992 to create the vocal quartet Solaris, in which she served as the lead singer. The versatile singer traveled to Mexico in 1991 as part of the show Fantasía del Caribe, and upon her return in 1992, she joined the El Cortijo cabaret, alternating with television and theater appearances.

Her beautiful voice and her talented performance have also been enjoyed internationally. Audiences in countries such as Mexico, Venezuela, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the Netherlands have received this charismatic artist with great gratitude. She is currently one of the most representative figures in Cuban songwriting and is part of the musical catalog of La Casa del Bolero Dos Gardenias (Calle 18 No. 302, Miramar, Playa, Havana).

Lázara Ribadavia, a Cuban performer with the gift of imbuing her excellent voice with songs with beautiful messages, nuanced with a blend of tenderness and sensuality in a genuine combination of traditional trova and feeling. Her artistic career has included participation in important musical events such as the International Seminar “Cuban Trova from its Origins to the Present.” Well known in Cuba for her performances on various national stages, she has also taken her music to the international stage through tours in countries including Ecuador, Russia, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Portugal.

Raúl Paz, Cuban singer and composer, received the ACE Award from the American Press in 1999 for the most promising male artist. He is known as the French Cuban who revolutionized Cuban music in the 21st century. He is one of the most prominent figures in technopop, rock, trova, pop, and fusion music. He is one of the most authentic representatives of international world music. He is also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. He received the title of Distinguished Visitor from the Hermanos Saíz University in Pinar del Río for his contribution to the aesthetic development of youth.

Leyanis López Luque, Cuban singer, began her professional singing career in 1989, performing at the Boleros de Oro Festival, the Rafael Inciarte Brioso Popular Music Festival, and other guitar trio festivals. Along with other prominent figures in Cuban music, Leyanis López participated in the well-deserved recognition of Catalan singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat.

The beautiful timbre and power of her voice allows this young woman to include in her repertoire genres ranging from song, bolero, and waltz to guajira, guaracha, and son montuno, imbuing each with the same feeling and passion, for which she has been recognized as one of the great revelations of Cuban songwriting.

Waldo Mendoza, a prominent Cuban singer, was a member of the Salsa Caracol orchestra, the Cuarteto Patria, and the Alianza. In 1997, he founded the group Tumbao Habana with its director Pascual Cabreras, incorporating several of his own songs into the orchestra’s repertoire.

Over the years, he has become a popular artist in Cuba for the unique tone of his voice in romantic songs. Since going solo, the hits have continued to come his way. Since leaving Tumbao Habana, he has held a space at his club at the Café Cantante of the National Theater (Paseo and 39th Street, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana) every Saturday, where he has had the opportunity to perform with great Cuban artists.

Her debut solo album, titled “Bendito Tiempo,” was released in 2005 under the EGREM label. This album features songs such as “Que lindo es,” “Mala Hembra,” “Pasa un tiempo,” and other hits.

Francisco Fabián Céspedes Rodríguez, popularly known as Francisco Céspedes or simply Pancho Céspedes, is a prominent Cuban singer and composer. He has been a member of several Cuban orchestras, including Pucho López’s group, the Cuban Orchestra of Modern Music, in which he sang songs of his own authorship and from the song movement known as Feeling. In 1997, he participated in the Viña del Mar Festival, where he represented Mexico with his song “Hablo de ti.” He placed second at the event. That same year, he released his debut solo album, Vida Loca.

In his work as a composer, many of his boleros have been performed by international musical greats such as Luis Miguel, Ana Belen, and Milton Nascimento. His songs capture his experiences in a very romantic way.

Osdalgia Lesmes Etchevarría, Cuban singer, songwriter, and actress; she embarked on her professional career in 1992 and made her debut that same year as a member of the quartet Las Sepias de Fuego, at the Cabaret Parisién in the Hotel Nacional (Calle 0 corner 21, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana). She subsequently joined several Cuban groups and orchestras, where she performed diverse musical genres such as Son, Bolero, Feeling, Jazz, Ballad, Timba, Salsa, Afro, Guaracha, and Rumba. Among them, in 1994 she joined Las Nuevas Mulatas de Fuego. A year later, Osdalgia joined the female group Canela, where she served as lead singer.

The repertoire of this excellent Cuban performer encompasses numerous musical genres, all with a tendency toward fusion with international rhythms. Her songs address women’s place in society, their autonomy, and their role vis-à-vis men. They reflect situations, feelings, attitudes, and dreams—in other words, they reflect the author’s interpretation of life.

Alain Daniel Pico Roque, a renowned Cuban singer, has accumulated diverse artistic experiences throughout his professional career, having had the pleasure of working with various groups such as La Constelación, Roberto Javier and his group, Conexión Salsera, and participating in the rap-salsa project Estilo Fantástico.

Between 1997 and 2000, he performed regularly at the Cabaret Parisién in the Hotel Nacional de Cuba (Calle 0, corner of 21, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana). He had already been performing solo, but due to numerous commitments of this kind, he found it necessary to leave Bamboleo and form his new group called “Alain Daniel y su New Casino,” with which he debuted on August 7, 2005, at the Casa de la Música de Miramar (Calle 20, No. 3308, Miramar, Playa, Havana). The group’s repertoire includes, in addition to songs written by Alain Daniel, many songs by the popular Cuban singer “Manolín el Médico de la Salsa.”

Joe Michel Maza Márquez, Cuban musician and former singer of La Charanga Habanera, known to everyone as Michel Maza. He is an artist with exceptional vocal qualities and possesses incredible charisma and stage presence. He is an excellent salsa singer, performing gracefully in a variety of musical genres, including bolero and pop.

He has participated in several Charanga Habanera albums and in various productions both in Cuba and abroad. He has also collaborated on several international productions by renowned artists such as Pablo Milanés. In 2008, he recorded Como Gato de Angora, his third solo album, now featuring ten previously unreleased tracks. He is currently the newest member of the national group D Farándula, where he is producing successful work.

Francisco José Freeman, popularly known and known since childhood as Coco Freeman, a prominent Cuban singer, was invited by the great Cuban musician Adalberto Álvarez to join his orchestra, replacing Rojitas. In 1996, he joined the NG la Banda orchestra, directed by José Luis Cortés, where he remained for six years. This group was a great training ground for Coco, a great challenge for him, and prepared him for his subsequent solo career.

He began his solo career in 2004, and around this time he was also invited to participate in the album Rythms del Mundo. This project was led by the English association Artists’ Project Earth, which sought out faithful exponents of traditional Cuban music, such as the Buenavista Social Club.

Evelyn García Márquez, Cuban pianist and performer; at just ten years old, she joined the children’s group called Las Chikis. She recorded several television programs with them. She later graduated from high school at the National School of Art (120th Street between 9th and 13th, Cubanacán, Playa, Havana).

He began his career as a professional musician in 1991, upon completing his training. His debut album, which bears his name, was recorded in 1996. He has performed his music on numerous radio and television shows. He has also toured internationally, to countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Luis Téllez Borrego is a Cuban bolero singer who performed at the OIRT Festival in Poland in 1984. There, he was awarded the Best Foreign Singer Award. He has been part of the cast of the renowned Tropicana cabaret (Calle 72 No. 4504, Marianao, Havana). He has shared the stage with leading figures and is considered by specialized critics to be one of the most celebrated Cuban voices both in Cuba and abroad.

Pedro Lugo Martínez, popularly known as El Nene, is a Cuban son singer. He began his musical career with Conjunto Chapotin, where he worked for five years. He later formed other groups such as Conjunto Rumba Clave y Guaguancó, and the Cubava group. He founded his own orchestra, El Son del Nene, in 2006. His repertoire as a singer includes other musical genres, such as trova, in addition to son.