Nominees announced for the Cubadisco Awards 2023

Under the slogan «La Isla que suena», the 26th International Cubadisco Fair, held from May 6 to 14, announced the nominees for its competition, with 126 records selected in 32 categories.

At a marathon gala held at the Arcos de Cristal Hall of the legendary Cabaret Tropicana in the Cuban capital, the organizing committee of the record festival announced the selection, grouped into Heritage, Academic Music, Jazz Instrumental, Songwriting, Popular Music, Fusion, Urban Music, Anthology and Special Awards.

The president of Cubadisco, Jorge Gómez, highlighted the work done by the specialists to evaluate the works that make up the miracle that is the Cuban musical universe this year.

«We all dream of a better Cubadisco, which is what our music deserves and what you, those who make it possible, deserve. We want the awards to be more and more like everything that happens in our industry,» said the instrumentalist. 

ARTex’s record label, Bis Music, has the most nominations with titles such as Habana concierto, by José María Vitier; Setenta años con el poder de la rumba, by Muñequitos de Matanzas; and Ataca Chicho (a tribute to José Luis Cortés aka El Tosco), produced by Germán Velazco.

Other albums with multiple nominations include Live in Havana by Alejandro Falcón and Cubadentro; Negras y Blancas by Andy García and Raptus Emsemble by Raptus, all produced by Producciones Colibrí.

These and other record productions, a sample of the wide range of Cuban music, will be awarded in two galas, the first on May 3 at the National Hotel of Cuba and the second on May 7 at the National Theater of Cuba.

Special prizes will also be awarded for Cuban recordings and the sustained efforts of experts and researchers in preserving cultural traditions.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez