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Alex Cuba
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Key Information
Alexis Puentes (born 1974),[1] better known by his stage name Alex Cuba, is a Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter who sings in Spanish and English. He has won two Juno Awards for World Music Album of the Year: in 2006 for Humo de Tabaco, and in 2008 for his second album, Agua del Pozo. In 2010 he won the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. His 2015 album, Healer, earned him a Latin Grammy Award for Best Singer-Songwriter Album and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Latin Pop Album. His 2021 album Mendó won the 2022 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album.[2]
Biography
[edit]Puentes was born on March 29, 1974[3] in Cuba, spending his childhood in Artemisa. The son of guitar player and music teacher Valentin Puentes, he started playing guitar at the age of six.[1] As an adult, he shifted into jazz fusion styles. He immigrated to Canada in 1999 after marrying a Canadian in Cuba. He and his twin brother Adonis first settled in Victoria, British Columbia, and worked as a duo called the Puentes Brothers, receiving a Juno Award nomination for Best Global Album at the Juno Awards of 2001.[4] They parted ways as a band to launch solo careers in 2004. In 2003, Puentes moved to Smithers, British Columbia, the hometown of his wife, Sarah, whose father is politician Bill Goodacre.[1][5] They have three children: Daniel, Rose and Owen Puentes.[5]
Collaborators on his debut, Humo De Tabaco, include Ron Sexsmith and Corinne Bailey Rae. "Lo Mismo Que Yo", a duet with Sexsmith, became a hit in the UK Singles Chart, reaching No. 52.[6][7]
In 2009, he co-wrote and recorded a duet with fellow Canadian Nelly Furtado. "Mi Plan" turned out to be the title track for her fourth studio album of the same name. Puentes co-wrote more than half of the songs on Furtado's album.[5]
His music reflects primarily Latin and African influences, but with a mix of funk, jazz and pop.[1]
He received a Latin Grammy on November 21, 2013.
In 2016, he performed as part of the national Canada Day celebration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
His 2021 album Mendó won the 2022 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album; it was his fourth nomination for the award and his first Grammy win.[2]
In 2022, he received an honorary doctorate from Queen's University.[8]
He gave a Tiny Desk Concert with his band in 2023.[9]
Discography
[edit]- The Puentes Brothers:
- 2001: Morumba Cubana
- Solo:
- 2004: Humo de Tabaco
- 2007: Agua del Pozo
- 2009: Alex Cuba
- 2012: Static in the System – "Ruido en el sistema"
- 2015: Healer
- 2017: "Lo Único Constante"
- 2019: "Sublime"
- 2021: "Mendó"
- 2023: "El Swing Que Yo Tengo"
Awards and nominations
[edit]Grammy Awards
[edit]The Grammy Award is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement on the music industry. Cuba has received four nominations.[10][11]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Alex Cuba | Best Latin Pop Album | Nominated |
| 2016 | Healer | Best Latin Pop Album | Nominated |
| 2018 | Lo Único Constante | Best Latin Pop Album | Nominated |
| 2022 | Mendó | Best Latin Pop Album | Won[2] |
Latin Grammy Awards
[edit]A Latin Grammy Award is an accolade by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry. Alex Cuba has received four awards out of five nominations.[12]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Alex Cuba | Best New Artist | Won |
| Alex Cuba | Best Male Pop Vocal Album | Nominated | |
| 2012 | "Toma Mi Vida" | Best Tropical Song | Won |
| 2013 | "Eres Tú" | Best Short Form Music Video | Won |
| 2015 | Healer | Best Singer-Songwriter Album | Won |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Terauds, John (March 22, 2007). "Cuban water drawn from a Canadian well". Toronto Star. p. H6.
- ^ a b c "Alex Cuba scores Grammy award for album recorded in his Smithers, B.C., home". CBC News. April 4, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Alex Cuba on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on April 27, 2022.[user-generated source]
- ^ "Adonis Puentes and Voice of Cuba Orchestra bring their music to PEI" Archived July 29, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Journal Pioneer, June 30, 2015.
- ^ a b c Dunlevy, T'Cha (November 26, 2009). "Smooth and soulful: Alex Cuba, who co-wrote more than half of Nelly Furtado's new Spanish-language album, brings his ever-expanding musical sound to L'Astral Archived November 27, 2009, at the Wayback Machine", The Gazette, p. C1.
- ^ Devlin, Mike (February 8, 2007). "From Cuba to Smithers with a jazz twist". Times-Colonist. p. D6.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 129. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "Renowned musician Alex Cuba will receive an honorary degree from Queen's University. | Department of Global Development Studies". www.queensu.ca. October 12, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
- ^ Contreras, Felix (October 4, 2023). "Alex Cuba: Tiny Desk Concert". NPR.
- ^ "2016 Grammy Awards: Complete list of nominees". Los Angeles Times. December 7, 2015. Retrieved December 7, 2015.
- ^ Lynch, Joe (November 28, 2017). "Grammys 2018: See the Complete List of Nominees". Billboard. Eldridge Industries. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
- ^ "La lista completa de nominados a los Latin Grammy 2015" (in Spanish). infobae. September 23, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
External links
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| Artists | |
| Other | |
Alex Cuba
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Alex Cuba, born Alexis Puentes on March 29, 1974, in Artemisa, Cuba, is a Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer renowned for his genre-blending music that fuses Cuban son, bolero, jazz, and pop elements, often sung in both Spanish and English.[1][2] Immersed in music from a young age as the son of acclaimed guitarist Valentín Puentes, he honed his skills on guitar and in Cuban musical traditions while studying in Havana before immigrating to Canada in 1999 after marrying his Canadian wife, Sarah, whom he met in 1995.[1][3] Now residing in the small northern British Columbia town of Smithers with his wife and three children, Cuba has built a distinguished career as an independent artist, founding his own label Caracol Records and releasing eleven studio albums, with his most recent, Índole, issued on November 7, 2025, as a tribute to his ancestral roots.[1][3][4]
Cuba's professional journey began as a guitarist in various bands in Cuba, but following his immigration to Canada, he initially formed the duo Puentes Brothers with his twin brother Adonis before transitioning to solo work and adopting the stage name Alex Cuba for artistic branding, which he described as "a no-brainer" to streamline his identity.[2] His debut solo album, Humo de Tabaco (2004), showcased his smooth vocals and guitar prowess, earning critical acclaim and setting the stage for international recognition.[1] Subsequent releases like Alex Cuba (2009), which earned him the Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2010, Healer (2015), and Mendó (2021) further solidified his reputation, with the latter securing a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album in 2022.[1][4][5] To date, he has amassed four Latin Grammy Awards, including for Best Singer-Songwriter Album in 2015, two Juno Awards for World Music Album of the Year (2006 and 2008), and numerous nominations across both organizations.[1][5][6]
Beyond his solo discography, Cuba has collaborated with prominent artists such as Nelly Furtado (co-writing several songs on her 2009 album Mi Plan, including the title track featuring him), Ron Sexsmith, and Jim Cuddy, while maintaining a focus on themes of identity, love, and cultural fusion reflective of his bicultural life.[1][7] His music, often praised for its "sugarcane-sweet melodies and powerful guitar riffs," has positioned him as one of Canada's leading Latin music exponents, with a career spanning live performances worldwide and a commitment to independent production.[8][1] In reflecting on his Canadian chapter, Cuba has stated, "I am incredibly proud to talk about my Canadian side... because my music was made in Canada."[1]
Early Life
Childhood and Musical Beginnings in Cuba
Alexis Puentes, professionally known as Alex Cuba, was born on March 29, 1974, in Artemisa, a suburb of Havana, Cuba, into a family steeped in musical tradition. His father, Valentín Puentes, a renowned guitarist and music educator, provided an early and profound influence, exposing him to the rhythms and melodies of Cuban music from a young age. His first musical memory was playing the claves, a Cuban rhythm instrument, at age 4 alongside his father on national television.[9][1][10] At the age of six, Alex began learning the guitar under his father's guidance. He practiced intensively, often isolating himself in his room to master techniques, which complemented the lessons in son, guajiro, and jazz-fusion styles that his father incorporated into family sessions and local performances. This hands-on training, rather than extensive formal schooling, shaped his foundational skills amid Cuba's emphasis on community-based musical immersion over structured conservatory programs for many young talents.[1][10][11] During his teenage years, Alex formed his first bands alongside his twin brother Adonis, diving into Havana's vibrant local scenes where they performed traditional genres like son, rumba, and Afro-Cuban rhythms at community events and family gatherings. These experiences, including touring with his father's ensemble of guitarists, fostered a deep connection to Cuba's cultural festivals and everyday musical expressions, honing his abilities through practical participation rather than theoretical study. His twin brother Adonis contributed significantly to these formative collaborations, blending their voices and instruments in early ensembles.[1][12]Immigration and Settlement in Canada
In 1999, at the age of 25, Alex Cuba (born Alexis Puentes) immigrated to Canada from Cuba, seeking greater creative opportunities after feeling constrained by the traditional expectations of Cuban music scenes. He had met his future wife, Sarah, a Canadian university student volunteering on Vancouver Island, during a 1995 tour marking the 50th anniversary of Cuba-Canada diplomatic relations; the couple married in Cuba in December 1995. Accompanied by Sarah and his twin brother Adonis, Cuba settled initially in Victoria, British Columbia, where he faced the challenges of adapting to a new country, including the stark contrast between Cuba's tropical climate and Canada's colder environment.[1][13] Early years in Victoria brought cultural adjustments, as Cuba navigated life in a predominantly English-speaking society while continuing to pursue music alongside his brother as the Puentes Brothers. The move represented a liberation from the limitations he experienced in Cuba, where his non-traditional vocal style had been discouraged even by family members. With limited initial resources and the need to establish a new life, Cuba balanced personal adaptation with part-time musical endeavors, gradually incorporating Canadian influences into his work.[14][1] In 2003, after the birth of their second child, Cuba and Sarah relocated to the remote town of Smithers, British Columbia, a decision driven by a desire for a closer community and family stability; and have three children: Daniel, Rose, and Owen. The isolation of Smithers, a small northern town surrounded by mountains, profoundly shaped Cuba's early adult life, fostering a focused creative environment amid the challenges of raising a young family in a rural setting far from major music hubs. This seclusion allowed him to blend his Cuban roots with North American elements, while the tight-knit community provided support during personal transitions.[1][13][15]Career
Puentes Brothers Era
Upon immigrating to Canada in 1999, fraternal twins Alexis (Alex) and Adonis Puentes formed the duo Puentes Brothers in Victoria, British Columbia, marking Alex Cuba's entry into the Canadian music scene.[1] Drawing on their Cuban heritage, the brothers blended traditional elements such as sones, boleros, and guarachas with jazzy improvisation and influences from flamenco and samba, creating a vibrant sound rooted in Afro-Cuban rhythms while adapting to North American audiences.[16] This fusion reflected their upbringing in a musical family, where Alex had honed his guitar skills alongside his father, Valentin Puentes.[1] The duo released their debut album, Morumba Cubana, in 2000 on Alma Records, showcasing a mix of rhythmic tracks that highlighted their vocal harmonies and instrumental interplay.[17] Standout songs included "Oye Rumberito," an energetic rumba-infused piece, and "Timba en Trampa," which incorporated lively percussion and melodic hooks.[18] The album earned a Juno Award nomination for World Music Album of the Year in 2001, recognizing its contribution to global sounds in Canada and garnering attention from the industry.[19] Puentes Brothers performed at key Canadian events, such as the Beaches International Jazz Festival in Toronto in 2000, and embarked on tours across North America to cultivate a dedicated following for Latin-infused music.[16] These appearances helped establish their niche amid a growing interest in world music, with the duo's live sets emphasizing dynamic percussion and guitar work. In 2003, the brothers placed the project on hiatus to pursue individual solo careers, allowing Alex Cuba to focus on his emerging independent path.[17]Solo Career Launch and Early Albums
After concluding his work with the Puentes Brothers, Alex Cuba launched his solo career in 2003 by forming the Alex Cuba Band and relocating to Smithers, British Columbia. His debut solo album, Humo de Tabaco, was released in 2004, recorded in Cuba with producer Martin Terefe, blending funk-infused horns, percussion, and Cuban son elements with rock and soul influences. The album earned critical acclaim and won the Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year in 2006, marking Cuba's breakthrough as a solo artist in Canada.[1][20] In 2007, Cuba followed with his second solo album, Agua del Pozo, co-produced with Joby Baker in Victoria, British Columbia, which further explored fusions of jazz, pop, and traditional Cuban rhythms. The record featured the bilingual single "Lo Mismo Que Yo (If Only)," a collaboration with Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith, which gained airplay on BBC Radio 2 and highlighted Cuba's emerging versatility across languages. Agua del Pozo also secured the Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year in 2008, solidifying his reputation for innovative world music.[1][21][20] During this period, Cuba began transitioning toward bilingual songwriting, incorporating English elements alongside Spanish to broaden his appeal, though his full embrace of dual-language tracks came shortly thereafter. His early productions emphasized organic, collaborative sessions rather than high-end studio polish, reflecting a hands-on approach influenced by his independent roots. From 2004 onward, he toured extensively across Canada and the United States, performing at festivals and venues that introduced his music to North American audiences and earned him growing recognition within Latin and world music communities.[1][20]Breakthrough Collaborations and Mid-Career Success
In 2009, Alex Cuba co-wrote and co-produced several tracks for Nelly Furtado's Spanish-language album Mi Plan, including the hit single "Manos al Aire," which marked a significant step in elevating his profile within the Latin music industry.[22][7] This collaboration not only showcased Cuba's songwriting versatility but also contributed to the album's commercial success, with "Manos al Aire" topping charts in multiple Latin markets. For his contributions, Cuba received a BMI Latin Award in 2011, recognizing the song's widespread airplay and impact.[23] Building on this momentum, Cuba's self-titled third studio album Alex Cuba (2009) led to his win of the Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2010, affirming his emergence as a distinctive voice in Latin pop and world music.[24] This accolade was followed by the release of his album Ruido en el Sistema (also known as Static in the System) in 2012, a bilingual project that blended funk, jazz, and Latin rhythms while featuring guest appearances such as Nelly Furtado on "Nadie Como Tú."[25] The album received a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Tropical Album and highlighted Cuba's growing experimentation with electronic elements and personal themes of resilience.[26] Mid-decade, Cuba's collaborations expanded further, including a duet with Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith on "Half a Chance" from his 2015 album Healer, which infused soulful neo-soul with bilingual lyrics to explore themes of love and redemption.[27] Healer, self-produced and released independently, earned Cuba a Latin Grammy Award for Best Singer-Songwriter Album, praising its intimate songcraft and vocal depth.[28] The album's success was complemented by high-profile performances, such as his appearance at the national Canada Day celebration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in 2016, where he incorporated Indigenous Wet'suwet'en language elements into his set to honor cultural diversity.[29]Recent Projects and Performances
In 2017, Alex Cuba released his album Lo Único Constante, which explored themes of constancy and personal reflection through a blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and introspective songwriting.[25] This project marked a continuation of his evolution as an independent artist, emphasizing guitar-driven arrangements and collaborations that highlighted his vocal harmonies.[30] Cuba's 2021 album Mendó achieved significant acclaim, winning the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album in 2022, his first win after four nominations in the category.[31] The album, meaning "substance" or "essence" in an Afro-Cuban dialect, featured vibrant tracks that fused pop, son, and rumba elements, produced independently under his Caracol Records label.[32] In 2023, Cuba performed an acoustic NPR Tiny Desk Concert as part of the "El Tiny" Latin music series, delivering stripped-down versions of hits like "Ciudad Hembra (La Habana)" and "De Camino" with minimal instrumentation, including guitar and güiro, to evoke his Cuban roots. The 2024 release Voces de Mi Familia paid homage to family and heritage, incorporating traditional Cuban folk elements and guest appearances from relatives, and earned a nomination for Best Traditional Tropical Album at the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.[33] This album underscored Cuba's commitment to cultural preservation through music that celebrates intergenerational stories.[34] In 2025, Cuba performed at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Experience festival on June 27, showcasing his dynamic live energy in an intimate setting at Bad Harriet in Aspen, Colorado.[35] His 11th studio album, Índole, was released on November 7, 2025, as a tribute to his ancestral roots.[3] Throughout 2024 and 2025, his ongoing North American and international tours have emphasized family-themed performances, drawing from Voces de Mi Familia to connect with audiences on personal and cultural levels.[36]Musical Style and Influences
Genres and Vocal Techniques
Alex Cuba's music is characterized by a seamless fusion of Afro-Cuban traditions with contemporary global sounds, prominently featuring genres such as son, bolero, and rumba in his early work, which evolved to incorporate modern pop, rock, soul, and funk elements.[37] His roots in Cuban music are evident in the rhythmic foundations like the clave pattern, which underpins tracks blending traditional son structures with indie sensibilities adapted to his Canadian context.[38] Influenced by the Nueva Trova movement, Cuba's style emphasizes acoustic guitar as a central instrument, often evoking the tres and requinto techniques to drive melodic lines and harmonies.[39][40] In more recent albums, this evolution extends to electronic elements, where organic Cuban grooves merge with synthesized textures and production layers, creating a "perfect marriage" between his traditional vibe and modern electronic experimentation.[6] For instance, his 2023 album El Swing Que Yo Tengo reimagines classic Cuban songs by integrating electronic beats and bass slaps alongside pan-Latin percussion, marking a departure from purely acoustic arrangements.[41] This progression reflects a broader Afro-Cuban jazz influence, incorporating cha-cha rhythms and bolero sway while subverting expectations with pop-soul hooks and rock chords.[37][20] His 2025 album Índole further deepens this fusion, embracing African influences with rich textures, tones, and rhythmic variety while venturing into new sonic territories that highlight his Afro-Latin roots.[3] Cuba's vocal approach complements this genre-blending, employing warm, elastic delivery that prioritizes subtlety over power, often layering harmonies to build emotional depth in self-produced tracks.[42][43] He sings bilingually in Spanish and English, allowing lyrics to flow naturally across languages while maintaining rhythmic precision tied to Cuban clave patterns.[42] In live settings, his thumb-strummed guitar provides a percussive base, enhancing the intimacy of his vocal phrasing, which draws from Nueva Trova's troubadour tradition for a confessional yet accessible tone.[44][45]Lyrical Themes and Cultural Elements
Alex Cuba's songwriting frequently explores themes of love, family, migration, and resilience, drawing from his personal experiences as a Cuban immigrant in Canada. In songs like "Manos al Aire," co-written for Nelly Furtado, he delves into the vulnerability of romantic longing and separation, portraying a surrender to love amid emotional conflict with lyrics evoking defenselessness and prioritization of affection over confrontation.[46] These motifs reflect broader narratives of familial bonds and the endurance required to navigate displacement, as seen in his reflections on building a life with his wife Sarah and their children in Smithers, British Columbia, after leaving Cuba in 1999.[1][47] His lyrics incorporate elements of Cuban folklore and proverbs, blending them with personal accounts of exile to evoke nostalgia tempered by optimism. Influenced by the filin movement—a 1940s Cuban fusion of jazz and trova featuring emotional yet uplifting content—Cuba weaves traditional storytelling into his work, often highlighting the bittersweet pull of homeland memories against forward-looking hope.[48] This is evident in albums like Lo Único Constante, where exile shapes introspective musings on constancy amid change, merging Cuban son and guajiro traditions with contemporary reflections.[1][48] Cuba's bicultural identity manifests in a cultural fusion that juxtaposes Cuban heritage with Canadian landscapes, such as evoking Havana's vibrancy alongside the natural serenity of Smithers in his evocative imagery.[39] His later works evolve toward themes of empowerment and healing, as in Healer, which addresses personal growth, spiritual renewal, and familial longevity—exemplified by a track dedicated to his enduring marriage—promoting optimism and self-belief in overcoming life's challenges.[47][1] Similarly, Mendó, created during the COVID-19 lockdown, channels resilience through upbeat explorations of uncertainty and transformation, fostering a sense of communal endurance.[49][1] In his 2025 album Índole, a tribute to his ancestors, Cuba expands these themes to include sorrow as a creative force, exploring a fuller emotional spectrum while reflecting on his Afro-Latin heritage and personal resilience.[3]Discography
Studio Albums
Alex Cuba began his recording career as part of the duo Puentes Brothers with his twin brother Adonis Puentes, releasing their debut and only album Morumba Cubana in 2001 on Alma Records. Self-released and blending traditional Afro-Cuban rumba with contemporary pop and jazz influences, the album was recorded in Victoria, British Columbia, shortly after the brothers' arrival in Canada, showcasing their vocal harmonies and multi-instrumental talents on tracks like "Asegurate" and "Oye Rumberito." It received critical praise for revitalizing Cuban rhythms for a global audience and earned a nomination for the 2002 Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year.[50][51][52] Transitioning to a solo career, Alex Cuba released his debut album Humo de Tabaco in 2004 under Universal Music Canada (distributed via Caracol Records). Produced by Martin Terefe and largely recorded at Egrem Studios in Havana, Cuba, the album fused son, bolero, and funk elements with guest appearances, including Ron Sexsmith on the single "Lo Mismo Que Yo," which charted in the Top 20 on BBC Radio 2. Critics lauded its fresh take on Latin pop, calling it a "seductive blend of Cuban traditions and modern grooves," and it won the 2006 Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year.[53][20][54] His follow-up, Agua del Pozo, arrived in 2007 on Caracol Records, marking Cuba's establishment of his own label with his wife. Recorded in Victoria, B.C., the album explored deeper lyrical introspection through acoustic arrangements and vocal layering, earning acclaim for its emotional depth and winning the 2008 Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year. Reviewers highlighted tracks like the title song for their poetic quality, noting the album's role in solidifying Cuba's reputation as a bilingual songwriter bridging Cuban roots and Canadian sensibilities.[55][56][57] In 2009, Cuba released his self-titled third studio album Alex Cuba on Caracol Records, featuring his first English-language track "If You Give Me Love" alongside Spanish songs blending Latin pop, jazz, and trova elements. Produced primarily by Cuba with additional recording in Havana, the album showcased his versatile songwriting and vocal style, earning widespread recognition including the 2010 Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist and a nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Album. Critics praised its crossover appeal and emotional resonance, positioning Cuba as an emerging force in Latin music.[5][58] In 2012, Cuba issued Ruido en el Sistema (also known as Static in the System) on Caracol Records/EMI, an experimental work self-produced and recorded in his home studio, incorporating electronic elements and English tracks for the first time. The album received positive reception for its bold innovation, with critics praising its "noisy yet harmonious" fusion of Latin jazz and pop, though it marked a shift toward more personal, introspective themes without major award wins.[59][60] Healer, released in 2015 on Caracol Records, featured collaborations with Canadian artists like Ron Sexsmith, Allison Crowe, and Joel Plaskett across five duets, emphasizing themes of healing and resilience through guitar-driven Latin pop. Produced at home in Smithers, B.C., the album garnered widespread acclaim for its intimate production and vocal harmonies, winning the 2016 Latin Grammy Award for Best Singer-Songwriter Album.[61][9][5] Cuba's 2017 release Lo Único Constante on Caracol Records continued his home-recording approach, blending son montuno and bolero with modern production and features like a collaboration with Jean Leloup. Critics celebrated its constancy in evolving Cuban sounds, describing it as "honest and naked" in its musical expression, though it focused more on artistic freedom than commercial breakthroughs.[62][63] In 2019, Sublime was issued on Caracol Records, an upbeat collection of 12 tracks exploring joy and sorrow through Latin jazz, pop, and trova influences, with guest appearances including Kelvis Ochoa and Pablo Milanés. Self-produced and recorded in Smithers, the album highlighted Cuba's dynamic guitar work and emotional depth, receiving praise for its passionate and intelligent songcraft that celebrates humanity's complexities.[64][37][65] The 2021 album Mendó, self-recorded in his Smithers living room during the COVID-19 lockdown on Caracol Records, incorporated African rhythms and guest spots from artists like Eliades Ochoa and Gaby Moreno. Hailed for its uplifting energy and cultural fusion, it won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album, with reviewers noting its role in "mending" global connections through music.[66][67] Cuba's ninth studio album, El Swing Que Yo Tengo, arrived in 2023 on Caracol Records, entirely self-produced and performed in his home studio in Smithers, blending electronic elements with percussion, Latin rhythms, and soulful vocals across seven tracks. The genre-defying release emphasized limitless creativity and optimism, earning acclaim for its versatility and knockout fusion of styles reflective of Cuba's bicultural influences.[25][68][69] In 2024, Voces de Mi Familia was released on Caracol Records, featuring family-inspired traditional tropical sounds with contributions from relatives, recorded in his Smithers studio. The album earned a nomination for Best Traditional Tropical Album at the 2024 Latin Grammy Awards, praised for its heartfelt celebration of heritage and vocal ensemble work.[5][70] Most recently, on November 7, 2025, Cuba released his 11th studio album Índole on Caracol Records, a poignant tribute to his ancestors that delves into sorrow and cultural roots through 12 tracks rich in texture and rhythmic variety. Featuring collaborations with artists like Bacilos and Chabuco, the self-produced work from his Smithers studio was lauded for its soulful sophistication and emotional depth, connecting personal heritage with global Latin sounds.[71][3][72]Singles and Featured Tracks
Alex Cuba's early solo career featured the bilingual single "Lo Mismo Que Yo (If Only)" from his 2004 debut album Humo de Tabaco, a collaboration with Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith that reached number 52 on the UK Singles Chart and peaked in the top 20 on BBC Radio 2 airplay charts.[73] The track's fusion of Latin rhythms and folk elements highlighted Cuba's emerging style and garnered international attention for world music audiences. In 2009, Cuba co-wrote the Spanish-language track "Manos al Aire" for Nelly Furtado's album Mi Plan, serving as its lead single; the song topped the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, marking Furtado's first number-one hit in that category and Cuba's significant contribution to mainstream Latin pop. This collaboration earned Cuba a BMI Latin Award for songwriting in 2011.[74] Cuba has frequently collaborated with Ron Sexsmith on featured tracks, including "Half a Chance" from his 2015 album Healer, where Sexsmith provided vocals alongside Cuba's lead, blending neo-soul and Latin influences.[75] Additional joint appearances appear on compilations and live recordings, such as the 2020 re-release of "Lo Mismo Que Yo," emphasizing their ongoing partnership since 2004.[76] More recent standalone releases include the promotional single "Mírame" from the 2021 album Mendó, a cumbia-infused track featuring salsa legend Joe Arroyo in a posthumous collaboration, which received airplay on Latin and world music stations.[77] In 2024, "Las Voces" served as a radio single from the album Voces De Mi Familia, showcasing family harmonies and traditional Cuban elements in a contemporary arrangement.[78] These tracks underscore Cuba's focus on collaborative and culturally rooted singles outside full-length projects, with emphasis on Latin airplay rather than broad commercial charts.Awards and Honors
Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards
Alex Cuba has earned four nominations at the Grammy Awards between 2011 and 2022, securing his first and only win in the Best Latin Pop Album category for his 2021 album Mendó at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. His previous nominations in the same category came for his self-titled debut album Alex Cuba in 2011, Healer in 2016, and Lo Único Constante in 2018.[4][32][79] At the Latin Grammy Awards, Alex Cuba has received ten nominations spanning from 2007 to 2024, resulting in four wins that highlight his versatility as a singer-songwriter and producer. His victories include Best New Artist in 2010 for his self-titled album, where he also performed during the ceremony, showcasing his fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and pop sensibilities. In 2012, he won Best Tropical Song for "Toma Mi Vida," co-written with Yoel Henríquez. In 2013, he received Best Short Form Music Video for "Eres Tu". The 2015 Latin Grammy for Best Singer-Songwriter Album went to Healer, recognizing his introspective lyrics and innovative production. His most recent nomination came in 2024 for Best Traditional Tropical Album with Voces de Mi Familia. Cuba returned to the Latin Grammy stage in 2022, performing tracks that underscored his enduring influence in Latin music.[5][80][81][6][82]| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Best Latin Pop Album | Alex Cuba | Nominated[83] |
| 2016 | Best Latin Pop Album | Healer | Nominated[79] |
| 2018 | Best Latin Pop Album | Lo Único Constante | Nominated[84] |
| 2022 | Best Latin Pop Album | Mendó | Winner[4] |