Biography
Alex Cuba, born Alexis Puentes in Artemisa, Cuba, grew up deeply immersed in Cuban music, guided by his father Valentin Puentes, a well-known musician and educator. From an early age, Alex was encouraged to focus on instruments, particularly the guitar and bass, developing formidable skills and a profound understanding of traditional Cuban sounds. As a teenager, he began to absorb American genres such as blues, jazz, rock, and funk, which would later inform his eclectic musical voice.
In 1999, after marrying Canadian Sarah Goodacre, Alex relocated to Smithers, British Columbia, Canada. There, he forged a path as an independent artist, blending Latin folk, trova, pop, and global influences into a style that is both rooted and innovative. His career has been marked by critical acclaim, including multiple Latin Grammy Awards, a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album (for 'Mendó' in 2022), and Juno Awards. Alex is celebrated for his emotive melodies, bilingual lyrics, and his ability to connect with audiences regardless of language. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Nelly Furtado to Pablo Milanés, and remains a respected figure in both Latin and Canadian music scenes.
Alex Cuba's legacy is defined by his commitment to artistic freedom and cross-cultural creativity. He has played a pivotal role in bringing Latin music to new audiences in Canada and beyond, all while maintaining his independence from major labels. His work continues to inspire musicians with its fusion of tradition and innovation, and his story exemplifies the possibilities of global musical dialogue.
Fun Facts
- Alex Cuba won his first Grammy Award while driving through a snowstorm in rural Canada and learned about it via a phone call from his publicist.
- He once recorded an album, 'Voces de Mi Familia,' inspired by a family member with dementia whose singing voice emerged unexpectedly during her illness.
- Alex is fiercely independent, running his own label and production studio, and has thrived despite not working with major record labels due to the Cuban embargo.
- He often writes and records melodies in unconventional places, such as airplane bathrooms, whenever inspiration strikes.
Associated Acts
- Alex Cuba Band - eponymous, original
- Puentes Brothers
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Valentin Puentes - Alex's father and primary musical mentor, who introduced him to Cuban music and taught him guitar and bass. (Early family performances, foundational musical education) [Childhood through teens (1980s–1990s)]
Key Collaborators
- Nelly Furtado - Co-writer and producer; Alex co-wrote and produced half of her Spanish-language album. (Mi Plan (2009)) [2009]
- Lila Downs - Collaborative performances and recordings. (Live performances, guest features) [2010s–2020s]
- Pablo Milanés - Recorded the song 'Hoy Como Ayer' together (remotely). (Hoy Como Ayer (2020, on 'Sublime')) [2020]
- Omara Portuondo - Collaborated on recordings. (Guest appearance on 'Sublime') [2019–2020]
- Leonel García - Collaborative songwriting and recording. (Collaborative tracks) [2010s–2020s]
Artists Influenced
- Emerging Canadian Latin musicians - Inspired a new generation of Latin artists in Canada by establishing a Latin music scene in Smithers, BC, and through his independent success. (Local collaborations, mentorship in Canadian Latin music community) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sublime | 2019-09-20 | Album |
| Agua Del Pozo | 2007-02-20 | Album |
| Mendó | 2021-05-21 | Album |
| Lo Único Constante | 2017-04-07 | Album |
| Sublime | 2019-09-20 | Album |
| Las Pequeñas Cosas | 2011-01-01 | Album |
| Healer | 2015-03-31 | Album |
| Voces De Mi Familia | 2024-05-31 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Dividido (Sublime)
- Solo Mía (Sublime)
- Nada es de Verdad
- Sueña Conmigo (TROPICALIA)
- Dividido
- Solo Mía
- Bachata Rosa ((un poco + de) FE)
- Bachata Rosa
- Ciudad Hembra (La Habana) (Sublime)
- Si Pero No (Agua Del Pozo)
External Links
Tags: #latin-pop
References
Heard on WWOZ
Alex Cuba has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 8, 2025 | 14:00 | Tu boca lo quitafrom Agua del Pozo | Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis | |
| Nov 8, 2025 | 13:55 | Lamentofrom Agua del Pozo | Tiene Sabor (Latin Show)w/ Yolanda Estrada | |
| Nov 8, 2025 | 13:48 | De Caminofrom Agua del Pozo | Tiene Sabor (Latin Show)w/ Yolanda Estrada |