"The Best of Me" Children's Music CD by Kiki Corona

December 28, 2020

Fourteen children's songs composed by singer-songwriter Kike Corona is the gift that the Cuban Recording and Musical Editions Company is giving to the Cuban family for the end of the year. Under the title Lo mejor de mí, the songs are sung by the well-known performer Virginia Guantanamera.

The singular aspect of this production was that its realization and editing process was carried out online, in a arduous and complex exchange that resulted in this CD made in just 45 days.

It is curious how the project began when Virginia —who currently resides in Spain— sent a request to Kike Corona, whom she has admired since childhood, when she listened to La Nana de las Mariposas, whose 35th anniversary this beautiful release pays tribute to. And so the composer began the process of exchanging lyrics and sheet music to finally select the 14 that compose it.

The performer, according to EGREM's music producer Heidy González, "possesses a melodious voice and a children's vocal range that allows her to reach children and their parents with Kike Corona's beautiful lyrics."

The orchestration fell to orchestrator Eddy Cardoso, who demonstrated his mastery in inserting and mixing the songs that Virginia performed with coherent harmony.

In assessing this new release, Cuban musicologist Radames Giro said that "EGREM has set the bar very high, and on this occasion a great composer and a great performer coincide. This CD has very significant value, being directed at children and the entire family."

Kike Corona has become an indispensable composer for children, a challenge he has assumed with serious commitment, but according to what he himself states, "with infinite love, thinking about offering children's lyrics with culture and teachings, and above all, that they are musically attractive to them."

La Nana de las Mariposas is part of this album, which features an attractive design printed in eye-catching colors and faces of figures and dolls from the childhood of many generations.

Mario Escalona Serrano, General Director of EGREM, in sharing this musical result from the Publishing House he presides over, is convinced that "this product can contribute to today's children receiving good music, and that this CD can be in libraries, children's centers and schools for the learning and enjoyment of Cuban children. It is a gift that EGREM is giving to the Cuban family for the end of this year."

Lo mejor de mí, Virginia Guantanamera's song to Kike Corona is undoubtedly a valuable contribution to Cuba's children's songbook.