Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 01:08
The Cuban Eliades Ochoa received this Monday the La Mar de Músicas 2024 Award before the concert he gave at the Paco Martín Auditorium in the Parque Torres in Cartagena. A special live performance, since on stage he had guest artists such as the Eurovision winner Chanel, the singer from Huelva Argentina and the singer from Malaga Zenet. “Spain is my second home, it has welcomed me with open arms. I thank La Mar de Músicas for this recognition of my artistic career, which I have been developing since 1963 and which is the legacy of the traditional music of the trova from Santiago and of so many masters who have left their mark,” said Eliades Ochoa. The artist showed his affection for Cartagena, “a Mediterranean city full of history and tradition, with which I identify. In addition, it is home to very warm and friendly people. For this reason, I am pleased to return and share with my audience, who know my repertoire and career.”
Born in 1946 in Santiago de Cuba, he is one of the most important soneros of all time. Founding member of the Buena Vista Social Club, he continues to interpret the group’s greatest hits. His most recent album, ‘Guajiro’, highlights different string styles with solos on violin, bouzouki, bass and Eliades’ guitar, which is always present in songs that are nourished by saxophone mambos.
A reference and icon of traditional Cuban music, the singer is considered the best guitarist of his generation. Ochoa received this award at the festival organised by the Cartagena City Council, as did Rubén Blades, Youssou N’Dour, Salif Keita, Totó la Momposina, Oumou Sangaré, Susana Baca, Cheick Lô, Pablo Milanés, Omara Portuondo, Gino Paoli and Jorge Drexler before him. Ochoa is also a regular at La Mar de Músicas.
The first time he set foot in Cartagena was in 1998 when a Cuba Special was held at La Mar de Músicas. That year, Cuban music became very popular all over the world, thanks to the Buena Vista Social Club. Years later, in 2010, he premiered the “wonderful Afrocubism project” at the festival, where the music of Cuba and Africa went hand in hand, the organization recalls. In 2022, he sold out tickets on his last visit.
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