The Multi-award-winning Violinist Mireya Ramos Jazzing in Cuba

The Mexican violinist and singer Mireya Ramos, winner of the Latin Grammy in 2017 and for the first time in Cuba, will perform today at the concert 3 origins, 1 only destination: Jazz Plaza, organized by the American multi-instrumentalist Michael McClintock.

«We have collaborated for more than a decade in the United States and he thought that I would be a good addition. I’m very excited, it’s a gift and honor to perform at this beautiful festival. "We will do some songs of mine and others of Michael, with arrangements by Janio Abreu," she said.

In statements to Prensa Latina regarding her participation in the 39th edition of the Jazz Plaza International Festival, Ramos expressed that she arrived on the island accompanied by her parents (Dominican mother, singer and accordionist, and father, mariachi singer), "for them too it was a dream to come."

During the presentation, scheduled at the Theater of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Mireya will perform Quiero Volver—originally a ranchera that she wrote for her new album produced in 2023—and Dicen, conceived as cumbia and arranged to Cuban rhythm for this opportunity .

«Music has saved my life, through it I have connected with my culture. She has always been part of my existence because my father is a singer and my mother is passionate about Latin American styles. “At parties there was never a lack of a guitar,” she mentioned.

As an adult in New York City, she added, Ramos managed to find her own voice and expression, "she has given me strength and identity and every time she sings she experiences something sublime."

In this sense, Ramos notes her responsibility as an artist in representing her roots and the Afro-Latin community.

«My band Flor de Toloache is a group of women, an experimental and alternative mariachi, we come from different countries and we reflect all those influences; "We have had a very nice reaction from the public and our songs collect stories from the perspective of women," she explained.

The Mexican singer affirms that, during the creative process, they always take into account "what we can say, who we can inspire and what message it’s essential to emphasize for the appearance of a change."

In 2017, Flor de Toloache—founded in 2008 with Cuban-American singer-songwriter Shae Fiol—won a Latin Grammy in the ranchero category for their second mariachi album Las Caras Lindas.

They were also nominated on other occasions: in 2019, for the Grammy in the category of best alternative, urban and Latin rock album for Indestructible, their third phonogram, and in the 2024 edition, whose award ceremony will take place in February.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff