Omara Portuondo receives the Latin Grammy Award for Musical Excellence on behalf of Cuba

November 15, 2019

In the name of Cuba, Omara Portuondo felt that she was receiving the Latin Grammy Award for Musical Excellence this Wednesday, in Las Vegas, USA.

That sincere emotion was accompanied by another grateful and noble feeling: "I carry in my heart the infinite memory of the members of the Cuarteto D' Aida, of my companions from feeling and from Buena Vista Social Club. Aida Diestro, Elena Burque, Moraima Secada, Haydée Portuondo, César Portillo, José Antonio Méndez, Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo, Rubén González and so many others that it pains me to name, are with me here receiving this award."

Once again Cuba's musical voice shines on the international stage, just this month of November, when the city of La Habana is celebrating its 500th anniversary of its founding.

The Diva of Buena Vista Social Club, the second Cuban personality to receive such recognition (Juan Formell in 2013), boasts dozens of accolades among which stand out the National Music Prize in the Caribbean nation in 2006 and the Latin Grammy in 2009.

Among the artists who also received the award, which is given to performers who during their careers have made outstanding artistic contributions to Latin music, are Peruvian Eva Ayllón, Mexican Lupita D´Alessio, Argentine duo Pimpinela and American Joan Baez.

At 89 years of age, the performer continues with an active career, which highlights her recent tour through Spain and other international venues under the title El último Beso Tour.

The gala took place on the day before the 20th edition of the Latin Grammy, which will take place in Las Vegas on November 14.