Cuban singer Albita is back and ready to get fans moving to the rhythm of her sounds
Back in the 90s, celebrities including Madonna, Gianni Versace, Quincy Jones and Sylvester Stallone were entranced by her rhythm, and her very presence was a shot in the arm for
the local scene. Sophisticated and unabashedly Cuban, the artist known simply as Albita was a star on the rise in the USA. A picture of her captured by none other than Annie Leibovitz made guayaberas and cigars staples of the new “it” look overnight, and her name was at the heart of any reference to the Magic City’s burgeoning cultural renaissance.
“It was a magical time in Miami,” she recalls while lounging at her home. “What took place was a genuine revolution, and even though it was a lot of work, the results couldn’t have been more rewarding.”
Even though she had established herself in Cuba, the singer was a relative unknown when she arrived, which posed the exciting challenge of reinterpreting herself. Albita worked with Emilio Estefan and fulfilled a three-year contract with Sony Music, but eventually decided to set off on her own.
“It can be an arduous path for artists without a label, but that’s also a challenge,” she says. “This is a great time to be a recording artist. I’m still at it, working hard with plenty of backing from supporters who have become an indispensable part of what I do.”
MUSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Currently working on a new project — a musical — and a return to Lincoln Road’s Yuca restaurant and lounge, where she will perform in 2020 following the restaurant’s reopening after Covid-19 shutdowns. Prior to the outbreak in March, Albita was preparing her annual Mother’s Day concert at the Dade County Auditorium, where fans would have witnessed the star’s show-stopping onstage collaborations with other top female names in Latin music.
“Lucrecia, Lena Burke and I were joining forces for a musical tribute to celebrate our experience as female artists, mothers and daughters.” In the meantime, eager fans can engage with the singer and follow her musical adventures on Instagram at @albitacantante.
The singer is also still proving why her success was not a matter of star alignment or a simple stroke of good fortune.
“There are no tricks here. There’s authenticity and perseverance.”
Far from ignoring her Cuban roots, she still treasures them and projects her heritage with pride on every stage.
“I have been a passionate proponent of my country’s music my whole life, and it is validating to see the force and impact our rhythms have around the world,” she shares. “It’s beautiful to see packed showrooms and be at the receiving end of so much acclaim and recognition from so many different people.”
A SHEER DEVOTION TO THE MUSIC
Albita can boast a bevy of accomplishments throughout an illustrious career: two Grammy awards, two Emmys for her show “La Descarga con Albita,” critical acclaim for her rendition of Evalina Montoya in “Mambo Kings” and, most recently, the part of “La Señora” in the first run of “Carmen la Cubana” — all in addition to her ongoing collaboration with countless international stars.
Even with that impressive bio, she emphasizes that her most valued achievement, without a doubt, has been earning the love and respect of an audience that has stood by her throughout the years.
“My Miami story was built on love and hard work. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to win people over little by little through music. I feel honored to have this city’s affection. I am, of course, eternally grateful and hold a tremendous regard for the people here.”
Follow Albita on Instagram at @albitacantante.
