Maikel Dinza Unveils Prohibido Olvidar, a Contemporary Bolero with the Soul of Santiago de Cuba (+Video)
Cuban musician and producer Maikel Dinza has announced the release of his new single Prohibido Olvidar, which will be available on all digital streaming platforms starting March 12. With this new project, Dinza ventures into the bolero tradition through a septet format that elegantly blends classic Cuban sonorities with a refined contemporary sound, further demonstrating the breadth of his artistic versatility.
Written by Dinza himself, Prohibido Olvidar draws listeners into a warm, deeply acoustic soundscape. The track pays homage to the musical heritage of Santiago de Cuba—widely regarded as the cradle of some of the most influential genres in Cuban music—while presenting a modern interpretation that resonates with today’s audiences.
The single stands out for both its rich instrumentation and the participation of accomplished Cuban musicians currently living abroad. The Cuban tres and guitar were performed by Santiago-born singer-songwriter and guitarist Raysel Pérez, now based in Mexico, whose performance adds an intimate and elegant texture to the arrangement. Percussion duties were handled by fellow Santiaguero Miguelito Hernández, currently residing in Lyon, France, whose playing provides an organic and subtly nuanced rhythmic foundation.
Trumpet lines were recorded by Cuban multi-instrumentalist Carlos Veitía, based in Belgium, contributing melodic color that enhances the bolero’s romantic character. Meanwhile, José Fernando was responsible for the string arrangements, bringing additional depth and emotional resonance to the overall sonic landscape.
For this production, Dinza crafted a carefully detailed arrangement that gracefully adorns the composition while merging modern musical elements with the enduring traditions of Cuban music. The result is a piece that clearly reflects the spirit and musical identity of Santiago de Cuba while projecting a polished contemporary aesthetic.
The track was mixed at Palo Duro Producciones and mastered by Christopher L. Young, achieving a warm and balanced sound that remains faithful to the song’s acoustic essence.
Lyrically, Prohibido Olvidar explores themes of love, memory, and distance. The song reflects on the emotional weight of cherished moments and suggests that even in times of separation, feelings can endure through melodies and harmonies that awaken memories and profound emotions.
With this release, Maikel Dinza once again demonstrates his ability to reinterpret and revitalize traditional genres while preserving the most authentic essence of Cuban musical structure.
Everything points to Prohibido Olvidar becoming a standout piece for listeners who appreciate Cuban music and contemporary bolero alike. The single will be available worldwide on all digital platforms beginning March 12.
Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez
