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Eight voices, a singular style
Livia Rodríguez Delis
Given the talent with which its members interpret
great songs from Cuban and U.S. music, Voces negras
(Black voices), a new Cuban group, has been
appearing regularly at Havana’s most popular night
clubs.
The group performs songs popularized by Frank
Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner
and Bola de Nieves, with a team of voices which
embellish evenings at the El Gato Tuerto; El
Parisién, Hotel Nacional; El Elegante, Riviera
hotel; el Piano Azul, Capri hotel, among other
renowned spots in Havana.
They are also frequently invited to perform at
tourism conventions, Havana Fairs, and other
exclusive events held across the country.
“In addition to having a producer and advisor, Voces
Negras includes eight singers, the majority of whom
are young and have no professional training,”
explained Asela Peña, artistic director of the novel
group which, on October 10, celebrated its 14th
anniversary.
“This is a sui generis project, inspired by
the voices of black people from New Orleans, whose
repertory extends from Rhythm and Blues and Jazz to
traditional Cuban son, because we can not lose our
cubanía which is why we have aspired to
these types of voices. Yaima is a lyric soprano;
Fernando is a baritone; Leo and Darío are tenors;
Yailín, a soprano; Yoanni is also a tenor; Yanara is
a mezzo-soprano; and Ignacio Perdomo a bass.”
Despite having had only one international experience
in their 14 year artistic career, specifically in
Italy, the group’s director Asela highlighted that
they have been gaining in popularity in Cuba and
abroad.
“Alongside important professional music groups, we
participated in a cultural encounter with 22
professors from the University of Texas, U.S. - a
lovely experience. They thought Voces Negras were
fantastic because, despite having no formal
training, they were able to achieve such harmony and
quality in the interpretations of those genres.”
Although, they are already part of the Adolfo Guzmán
Company’s list of Excellence, a representation and
production agency with the largest catalog of
artists in Cuba and Latin America, its members are
prepared for the challenge they have chosen.
“We have many projects, and have to work hard on
them with professionalism and talent, for the
moment, we will continue working with our eight
voices which give us a unique style, and enchanting
magical Havana nights with our songs.”
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