Alex Cuba: The Cuban-Canadian Latin Soul Innovator
Alex Cuba is a Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and producer known for his fusion of Latin rhythms with soul and pop. Hailing from Artemisa, Cuba, and now based in Canada, his 2009 album Alex Cuba earned him a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist, launching an internationally acclaimed career.
Early career
Born Alexis Puentes in 1974, he began his musical journey in a family of musicians, studying classical guitar. He moved to Victoria, British Columbia, in 1999 with his twin brother and formed the duo The Puentes Brothers, releasing their self-titled album in 2001.
Breakthrough
His solo debut, Humo De Tabaco in 2004, won a Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year. The true breakthrough came with his self-titled second album in 2009, which earned him that pivotal Latin Grammy and established his signature "Latin soul" sound on the international stage.
Key tracks
Si Pero No — This track from his 2009 album became an early signature song, perfectly encapsulating his smooth blend of Cuban son and melodic pop.
Todo Otra Vez — A standout from his 2012 album Ruido En El Sistema, it showcases his skill for crafting infectious, radio-friendly Latin pop hooks.
Loca — His collaboration with Spanish singer-songwriter Antonio Carmona became a hit, demonstrating his successful cross-border musical partnerships.
Vida — This track highlights his more intimate, acoustic side and has been a fan favorite in live performances for years.
Mundo Nuevo — Featuring fellow Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter Descemer Bueno, this song represents a modern, collaborative vision of Cuban-inspired music.
Alex Cuba's prolific output continued with albums like 2015's Healer, which featured collaborations with Ron Sexsmith and David Myles. His 2021 album Mendó won him a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album, a major milestone confirming his enduring artistry. He has written and collaborated with a diverse range of artists, from Nelly Furtado and Jason Mraz to Sergio George and Luis Enrique.
Fans of Alex Cuba's melodic Latin fusion might also enjoy the work of Descemer Bueno, another Cuban songwriter known for sophisticated pop compositions. Yuksek blends electronic elements with global rhythms in a similarly inventive way. The smooth, soulful approach of Jesse & Joy shares a commitment to heartfelt songwriting. For those drawn to the Cuban roots, Orishas offers a more hip-hop-inflected take on the island's musical heritage.
The genre-blending music of Alex Cuba finds a natural home on various online radio streams, particularly those dedicated to Latin alternative, world music, and adult contemporary formats. His Grammy-winning tracks and soulful singles are frequently featured on independent music radio stations seeking sophisticated, cross-cultural sounds.
Listeners can explore the distinctive Latin soul catalog of Alex Cuba through the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his award-winning music and hear his latest tracks as part of our curated radio rotation.
