Santiago-born music producer Alden González Díaz stands as one of the most celebrated figures in the Latin Grammy category for Best Traditional Tropical Album, sharing the spotlight with Emilio Estefan Jr. and Geovanis Alcántara. Despite his accolades, González remains uniquely committed to working from Cuba, enduring challenging material conditions.
In a candid interview with El Nuevo Herald, González delivered a stark critique of the current state of Cuban popular music. "Yes, it is in full-blown crisis," he asserted to journalist Michel Suárez, highlighting the sharp decline in both production and live performances, both domestically and internationally.
González's trio of Latin Grammys includes albums such as Tributo a Los Compadres, Tributo a los Clásicos Cubanos, and Rodando por el mundo with José Alberto El Canario, the latter winning at the November 2024 ceremony. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned artists like Rubén Blades, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Pablo Milanés, Ismael Miranda, and Andy Montañez.
The Misuse of Cuban Musical Heritage
González criticizes the misuse of the Buena Vista Social Club's name and style, describing it as symptomatic of the broader crisis. "What’s happening with so many fake Buena Vista Social Clubs reflects this current crisis," he explained.
He went further, attributing blame to Cubans themselves for neglecting their musical legacy. "The fault lies entirely with us Cubans. We've failed to defend that legacy, to engage with our musical history. It's hard to stand up for something you feel nothing for," he stated.
González shared his own experiences to illustrate this disconnect. "I, for instance, only discovered Arsenio Rodríguez late in life through radio exposure, and I first heard Machito during my initial trip abroad. If that's my story, what about everyone else?" he pondered.
Challenges Faced by Cuban Music Industry
The state-run Cuban music industry, represented by labels such as EGREM, Bis Music, Colibrí, and Abdala, has been in a long-standing production slump, exacerbated by the regime's economic collapse. Power outages have even forced the Septeto Santiaguero to cancel performances, a group with which González secured two of his Grammy wins.
González, a native of Santiago de Cuba, takes pride in the eastern roots of son and bolero. He recalls that son originated in the rural areas of the former Oriente province, and bolero was born with Santiago native Pepe Sánchez, credited with the first Cuban bolero, "Tristezas" (1883). "Santiago de Cuba heavily influences my musical vision. If I were from elsewhere in Cuba, I'd have a different perception of son," he explained.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cuban Music
Despite the dominance of urban music, González remains hopeful about the future of the genre. "The last global Latin music boom revolved around the Buena Vista Social Club," he said, optimistically pointing to a new generation of artists making their mark. Emerging talents include Luis Figueroa, Cristian Alicea, and the Mexican group La Bendición, alongside well-received artists like Dominican Yiyo Sarante and Cuban Fresto.
The interview precedes the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards, set for November 12 in Las Vegas, where three Cubans—Omara Portuondo ("Eternamente Omara"), Leoni Torres ("Cualquiera se enamora"), and Dayhan Díaz ("Algo Nuevo de Ayer")—compete in the Traditional Tropical category.
Exploring the Crisis in Cuban Music
Why does Alden González believe Cuban music is in crisis?
González attributes the crisis to a significant reduction in music production and live performances, both within Cuba and internationally. He criticizes the lack of defense and appreciation for Cuban musical heritage by its own people.
What challenges does the Cuban music industry face?
The Cuban music industry is struggling due to a prolonged production decline, worsened by the country's economic downturn. This has led to issues such as power outages, which have disrupted performances.
Who are some of the emerging talents in Cuban music?
Rising stars in Cuban music include Luis Figueroa, Cristian Alicea, and the Mexican group La Bendición. Artists like Yiyo Sarante from the Dominican Republic and Fresto from Cuba are also gaining recognition.