It is neither a private phenomenon of the province of Cienfuegos nor of the times that musicians, after completing their training at certain academies in the country – others throw themselves before their fate – remain in the capital of Havana to conquer a position in which they long awaited can achieve popularity. Likewise, musical creations that are framed in regional spheres succeed in transcending through their quality and way of interpretation.
The course of the history of Cienfuegos has shown that more and more top-class artists manage to establish themselves on the Cuban music scene. From the 19th century to the present day, Cienfuegos has expanded its art, both from classical and popular music, names such as Guillermo Tomás, Ana Aguado, Eusebio Delfín, Agustín Sánchez Planas, Joaquinita Torres, the Great Choir of Padre Urtiaga, Guillermo Portabales, Paulina Álvarez, the Aragón Orchestra, Benny Moré, Felito Molina, Efraín Loyola, Lázaro García, Alexander Abreu and others have shaped lyrics and melodies as the best of good Cuban music.
Today this phenomenon continues and grows. When the Cuban timba broke out in the early decades of the 1990s with NG la banda as the leading group, led by Maestro José Luis Cortés, it became an avalanche of groups that quickly managed to conquer Cuban audiences, including that of Manuel González Hernández, popularly known as Manolín, El médico de la salsa. He was nicknamed with this nickname by the aforementioned José Luis Cortés, because he was a Cuban singer and composer who completed his medical studies and quickly gained great popularity.
After a long absence, Manolín returns to the Cuban stages, this time accompanied by 6 musicians from Cienfuegos. Among them is José Alan Pérez Del Valle, a drummer who has played with NG la Banda for more than a decade: “Playing with Manolín is a childhood dream come true, when I was studying in high school his orchestra was one of my biggest Credentials. Today to see me doing these songs live is an inexplicable feeling and to see the audience’s reaction is something magical. It’s one of the best things that’s happened to me in my career.”[1]
In the same way, trumpeter Deban Alexis Perdomo expressed his feelings, saying: “It’s a great experience, a dream come true to be able to relive those ’90s.”[2]Trombonist Roney García Muñoz also comments: “His music is a pattern that all generations must follow. An even greater pride to be from Cienfuegos and to be able to represent my country.”[3]
On the keyboards, Luis Miguel Sánchez Nelson recalls: “Now I understand my brother, who was a fan of his and always made a fuss of me. It’s very satisfying for me to see people’s joy when we start playing. It is a privilege to be part of La Medicina.”[4]
For his part, trombonist Jorge Félix Becerra Roque says, “His music has been an inspiration since I was in middle school when I first heard it. Playing the trombone in his orchestra with other excellent musicians is a dream come true.”[5]
Last but not least, the sound engineer Félix Yasniel Águila Sosa, also from Cienfuegos, comments: “I was a great admirer of his music and since I started in this profession it has been a goal to study the sound of timbas from the 90s. That makes me proud to be part of this great orchestra and to ensure that the sound of time is not lost.”[6]
Only four months have passed since these people from Cienfuegos came together to participate – as everyone explained in an interview with this author – in this great dream that began on November 26th last year. It now remains for Manolín to fulfill and continue to fulfill the dream of each and every one of these Southerners who love their music and fight to win every heart of the Cuban public: “The connection with my people is eternal and love returned, it was it The first look from day one, with this love that neither time nor distance have been able to, it is an authentic connection. It is forever and will grow even more over time. This is my country and its people are my people.”[7]
[1] Alegna Jacomino Ruiz: Interview with José Alan Pérez Del Valle, March 1, 2023.
[2] Same: Interview with Deban Alexis Perdomo, March 1, 2023.
[3]Same: Interview with Roney García Muñoz, March 1, 2023.
[4]Same: Interview with Luis Miguel Sánchez Nelson, March 1, 2023.
[5]The same: Interview with Jorge Félix Becerra Roque, March 1, 2023.
[6] The same: Interview with Félix Yasniel Águila Sosa, March 1, 2023.
[7]The same: Interview with Manuel González Hernández, March 1, 2023.