Música es Mujer Project Celebrates Omara Portuondo’s 95th Birthday

In celebration of Omara Portuondo’s 95th birthday, one of Cuba’s most iconic figures in popular music, the Música es Mujer project will hold a concert on Thursday, June 5, at the National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba. The event will take place in the theater hall of the Cuban Art Building.

The concert, led by vocalist Hera de Cuba, who is also the project’s founder and artistic director, will showcase around 50 artists from various ensembles associated with Música es Mujer. Featured performers include Emy Abreu, Yaneris Carbonell & D’Eva, Kamila Colarte & Afromusa, Vocal Almas, Son Gálvez «Las Hermanas,» Liliana Piñol & Four Ladies, Ensemble Vocal Luna, Opening Cuba, Greter, and others.

The repertoire will consist of 14 of Omara Portuondo’s most emblematic songs, including Veinte años, Tal vez, Tres palabras, Dónde estabas tú, Mariposas blancas, Son al Son, Siboney, and Amigas, all composed by renowned Cuban musicians.

According to Hera de Cuba, this concert is a privilege for every woman involved in the project and aims to amplify and showcase their contributions within the music industry.

Launched in 2023, Música es Mujer brings together female directors of musical ensembles and emerging artists across diverse styles. While the project’s team is not exclusively female, its members share a commitment to reinterpreting Cuban music through contemporary fusion rhythms.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez