Kiki Valera

Biography

Kiki Valera, born in 1966 in Santiago de Cuba, is a renowned Cuban multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, sound engineer, and producer, internationally celebrated as a master of the Cuban cuatro. Raised in a deeply musical family, Kiki is the eldest son of Don Felix Valera Miranda, leader of the legendary Familia Valera Miranda, a group recognized as one of the most important purveyors of Son Cubano, Cuba’s iconic traditional music. Immersed in music from an early age, Kiki received his first tres at age six from his father and was taught the foundations of Cuban son in a household where music and dance were integral to daily life, passed down through generations since the 19th century.

Kiki pursued formal studies at the Conservatorio Esteban Salas in Santiago de Cuba, focusing on classical guitar before discovering his passion for the cuatro, which he customized and mastered, developing his own unique technique. Despite the restrictions on Western music in Cuba, Kiki ingeniously built his own shortwave radios to access jazz and other international sounds, drawing inspiration from artists like Pat Metheny, Wes Montgomery, and Chick Corea. Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded extensively with Familia Valera Miranda, co-founded Septeto Turquino, and collaborated with groups like Los Karachi. Now based in Seattle, Washington, Kiki continues to champion and modernize Cuban son, blending traditional roots with jazz influences, and is recognized as a vital bearer of Cuban musical heritage.

Fun Facts

• Kiki Valera built his own shortwave radio as a teenager in Cuba to secretly listen to jazz and international music, circumventing government restrictions.
• He developed a unique technique for the Cuban cuatro, including custom tuning and fingering, after building his own instrument.
• Despite his family's musical prominence, the Valera Miranda family were originally empiric (self-taught) musicians who played primarily at family gatherings.
• Kiki has lived in Seattle, Washington for years, but regularly returns to Cuba to record and maintain his connection to Cuban musical traditions.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Don Felix Valera Miranda - Father, first music teacher, and leader of Familia Valera Miranda; taught Kiki tres and son traditions (Familia Valera Miranda albums and performances) [1970s–2018]
• Danilo Orozco - Musicologist who documented the Valera family's musical legacy and inspired Kiki’s appreciation for his heritage (Antologia Integral del Son (documentary and recordings)) [1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Familia Valera Miranda - Family septet; Kiki served as arranger, performer, and recording artist (Antologia Integral del Son, numerous international tours) [1980s–present]
• Septeto Turquino - Co-founder and performer (Recordings and performances in Cuba) [1990s]
• Los Karachi - Performer and collaborator (Live performances) [1990s]

Artists Influenced

• Seattle-based Cuban musicians and students - Through teaching and collaboration in Seattle and abroad, Kiki has mentored and inspired a new generation of Cuban and Latin musicians (Workshops, performances with Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Gentle Evening Mist (Tranquil Moon Glow)
2. Serene Ocean Drift (Tranquil Moon Glow)
3. Soft Starry Reflections (Tranquil Moon Glow)
4. Peaceful Twilight Waves (Tranquil Moon Glow)
5. Evening Calm Piano (Whispering Winds Piano)
6. Serene Dreams Piano (Whispering Winds Piano)
7. Tranquil Skies Piano (Whispering Winds Piano)
8. Moonlit Whispers Piano (Whispering Winds Piano)
9. Whispered Serenity Piano (Whispering Winds Piano)
10. Quiet Horizon Piano (Whispering Winds Piano)

External Links

• Spotify