Melanie Santiler Launches World Tour in Madrid, Reflects on Cuban Music's Female Role Models

July 20, 2026

Cuban singer Melanie Santiler, known by the nickname "La Mami Fina," launched her first international tour in Madrid, with dates planned across Spain, Italy, Germany, Mexico, the United States and Cuba in the coming months. Spanish stops include Madrid, Huesca, Burgos, Valencia, Barcelona, Las Palmas and Tenerife.

Santiler, who began sharing reparto covers on social media in 2023 before releasing original music, has said her musical interests go beyond that genre, one of the most popular yet male-dominated styles in today's Cuban music scene. "I'm interested in doing reparto, but I'm also interested in doing other things," she said in an interview at the start of her tour.

The singer also discussed her influences, citing artists ranging from Beyoncé and Ariana Grande to Cuban figures such as Benny Moré, Buena Vista Social Club and La Lupe. Asked about female representation within popular Cuban music, she said: "I don't have a close reference of a Cuban female artist other than Celia [Cruz]."

Santiler is also preparing to release her debut full-length album in September, preceded by several singles.