Live to Win, Cuban Guaguancó for May Day

To the rhythm of guaguancó, but with a bit of everything that is Cuba, from the music and from the heart of this island, Arnaldo Rodríguez, and EGREM display certainty and challenge in this peculiar May Day: “Live to Win". About the song he just recorded in the EGREM studio, we talked, without leaving home, with the prominent singer-songwriter and music promoter.

“It’s called Vivir para Vencer (Song to May Day ) and it’s a very Cuban guaguancó with symphonic sounds that ends in a climate of epic, marching and glory sounds. We are very happy with the outcome".

"Guaguancó with symphonic sounds", does that sound like special featurings?

"Musicians from the TALISMAN, Rumberos de Cuba, Habana de Primera, La Barriada, the soloist Verónica Velázquez and students from Amadeo Roldán Conservatory of Havana participate in the song."

The title is, right now worldwide, much more than a metaphor, because there’s nothing more urgent than life for the proletarians of all countries. What does it mean for you to accompany the celebration of the International Workers' Day at such unique moment?

"The Culture Workers Union (SNTC for its acronym in Spanish) and the Cuban National Union called us to write and perform a song dedicated to May Day. This coming International Worker’s Day in going to be held in conditions very different from the usual ones, and that is the first challenge of the song: Try to reflect that "staying at home" and at the same time not overlook to celebrate the date. It’s impossible to create a musical work right now and not speak about the situation the world is undergoing in its fight against Covid-19, and especially Cuba. With a complex economic situation for decades of blockade and economic sanctions and that is capable, in the turmoil of prioritizing the health of its people, and not only that .... stretch the hand of solidarity with other countries. That is why the song talks about altruism, solidarity, and courage.

"For me, it’s once again a joy and a challenge to write a song for such an important celebration that even has an internationally scope. As it’s already known my ties with the Union (Member of the National Secretariat of the Union of Culture, and Member of the National Council of the Cuban Union) it was worthy our involvement in this initiative. This song is a contribution of the Culture to the celebration of May Day. "

Culture workers are among those most affected by the necessary measures of social isolation, however, they have not stopped looking for alternatives to support, from arts, this battle against the epidemic ...

"I think that the initiatives created by artists, institutions and the Ministry of Culture in this special situation are very interesting and emotional. Online concerts, poetry readings through social networks and other actions have shown that in Cuba, the artistic creation and the promotion of Culture go on despite this emergency. On the other hand, since it’s impossible to give large gigs and live performances, Cuban artists have not been left behind in terms of money and other social security guarantees. I believe this is another sign of the Government's political will, and another positive result of the Cuban social project. "

Amilkal Labañino / Cubasi Translation Staff