Albita

Known as the Cuban diva, Albita graces audiences with her Cuban renditions of dance and soul. Her songs most often reflect her life experiences as in her song "Que Manera de Quererte" and her album Dien Que, translated as They Say That. She performs worldwide, with ballets and orchestras, and sings annually at the Miami City Ballet.



Born Albita Rodriguez in Havana, Cuba, Albita grew up around musicians. Both her parents were popular musicians in Cuba, singing punto, guajaro, a simple Cuban style of music. Her early childhood toys included bongos and claves.



She began her musical career performing throughout Havana, in nightclubs and for concerts. She made her television debut on Cuba's variety show, Palmas y Canas. The inspiration for her songs came from her own personal experiences as well as what was happening in Cuba at the time. Her first Cuban release in 1988 was on the Egrem record label. The hit "Habra Musica Guajira" (There Will Be Guajira Music) recounts her mission to recreate the sounds of authentic Cuban music. Another hit on the album, titled "Son de Tahurete" recounts the period during which Cuba was fighting for independence with Spain. The type of music Albita has identified herself with throughout her career is son, a mixture of African and European musical styles.

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