Chronicles of the Pandemic is Virulo's New CD

December 24, 2021

Chronicles of the Pandemic is the title of the new CD by humorist and singer-songwriter Alejandro García, better known as Virulo. The phonogram portrays, from the author's perspective, memories about the passage of Covid-19 in Cuba.

Virulo presents a humor that, according to his own description, "does not distract, it concentrates; does not accept, questions, and finally does not gratify, inoculates doubt". Chronicles of the Pandemic constitutes a journey through a unique stage in the history of humanity where different events are reflected through songs, events that have constituted experiences and news from the last two years in Cuba.


"The album addresses different aspects of the same theme and context, and offers rhythmic diversity through different musical genres". Photos: Courtesy of the author
The album features relevant collaborations from several artists, among which Yoel Martínez stands out, who took on the roles of music producer, arranger for most of the songs, and recording engineering. The project also included Magui Blue and el Pollo, from Qva Libre; Buena Fe; Kelvis Ochoa; Pancho Amat and el Cabildo del Son; Ray Fernández; Cándido Fabré; the trio Martínez y Llilena. Additionally, the song "Con Cuba no te metas" was included, which brings together the National Symphonic Orchestra, the National Choir of Cuba, the Conga de los Hoyos, the Pupy orchestra and Los que Son Son, and several soloists such as Dayán Carrera, Israel Rojas, Yumurí, María Victoria, Ricardo Leyva, and Mayito Rivera.

"Virulo's work is born in reality, (…) he captures an essence, works on it, elaborates it and with that scientific art that he has, that humor, he returns it. What is interesting is that when he returns it, he does so with a value of critical consciousness," commented the renowned psychologist Manuel Calviño, at a press conference regarding the CD's premiere.


"At the press conference Virulo confessed that the phonogram gave meaning to his life these past two years".
The album addresses different aspects of the same theme and context, and offers rhythmic diversity through the different musical genres of the songs, where son and guaracha are predominant, although conga, rap, and ballad also stand out. In the latter case, the song "Puente de luz", with its message of unity and humanism, is one of the necessary songs for these times.

At the age of 17, Alejandro García began his artistic career in the Cuban Nueva Trova movement, and later directed the National Entertainment Ensemble in Havana. He has been a television program host, entertainment director and theater group director, writer and composer of music for films and animated cartoons. At the end of the 1980s he moved to Mexico City, where he continued his career, while regularly performing in Havana. Today Virulo returns to his native land and offers us this singular work.

"The Cuban public will be able to enjoy Chronicles of the Pandemic through radio stations and other media outlets".

At the press conference Virulo confessed that the phonogram gave meaning to his life these past two years. His memories about the pandemic materialized the way in which the author externalized his viewpoints on the current Cuban context. At the same time, it was able to serve as accompaniment to his audience at this present stage, as several of the songs that make up the CD have been released precisely in tune with the moments we are living, and some accompanied by music videos.

The Cuban public will be able to enjoy Chronicles of the Pandemic through radio stations and other media outlets. The songs are not yet available on digital music distribution platforms until further notice. The author has decided to boost the commercialization of the physical album.