On Our Radar: Grammy-winner Alex Cuba’s El Swing Que Yo Tengo is a genre-defying knockout

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      Alex Cuba won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album for his last record, Mendó—its title taken from the Afro-Cuban word for “substance of the soul.” 

      Now, the Cuban-Canadian artist has released his ninth studio album, El Swing Que Yo Tengo, which once again showcases the versatility of Latin music. Blending everything from blues and electronic to cha-cha, the singer, songwriter, musician, and producer crafts a rich and cohesive soundscape that is singularly his. 

      "Creating in a way that truly felt limitless, album number nine is another collection of songs for the soul from my musical universe,” Cuba said in a press release. 

      El Swing Que Yo Tengo was recorded at the artist’s newly built home studio in Smithers, where he lives. And while Cuba is well-known for playing with genre in his work, this marks the first time he’s experimented with electronic music.  

      He added: “It was a fun learning experience for me—exploring how to mix my organic sound with electronic elements, slapping my bass on the title track, and reimagining the sound of a legendary Cuban song. Exploring music in a new way was, simply, fun.” 

      That legendary song he refers to is "Pedacito de Mi Vida”, which Cuba delivers with gentle vocals alongside a bluesy guitar groove. Another album standout is "Agüita de Coco", a vibrant duet with Rwandan artist Butera Knowless that channels Cuba’s Caribbean roots. 

      In support of the new release, the two-time Juno Award winner and four-time Latin Grammy Award winner is hitting the road, with three shows across BC in the early fall. 

      Cuba performs at West Vancouver’s Kay Meek on September 23. El Swing Que Yo Tengo is out now. 

       

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