Nicaragua Sang to the Cuban Rhythm of Buena Fe

Nicaragua sang to folk music, love, and hope alongside the Cuban duo Buena Fe, comprised of Yoel Martínez and Israel Rojas, in a concert where music became a bridge of shared affection and camaraderie.

Dozens of Nicaraguans, Cuban residents, government authorities, and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in the Central American nation gathered last night at the country's main cultural coliseum to enjoy an evening marked by poetry, reflection, and emotion.

In an intimate, folkloric, and romantic atmosphere, the audience let themselves be carried away by the songs of the duo, formed in late 1999, whose lyrics have accompanied several generations inside and outside of Cuba.

The concert, titled "Trova y algo más" (Folk Music and Something More), offered a carefully selected repertoire of about 20 songs that traversed Buena Fe's wide musical spectrum, ranging from nostalgia and social critique to everyday tenderness.

Iconic songs such as "No juegues con mi soledad," "Cada país," "Bolero sangriento," "Cecilia Valdés, Casanova y la Bella Durmiente," "Pi 3,14," "La carta," "La venganza de los viejos," and "Catalejo," among others, marked a night of sustained applause and spontaneous sing-alongs.

The evening closed with "Canción urgente para Nicaragua," by Silvio Rodríguez, performed with special emotion and receiving a long standing ovation from an audience that made the song their own.

After more than an hour and a half on stage, Israel Rojas confessed to Prensa Latina his happiness at returning to Nicaragua, and especially at singing in such an important cultural venue after almost 15 years without visiting the country.

"To return and find so many beautiful and participatory people was something very beautiful, we are very happy," he expressed.

Rojas also highlighted the importance of including Nicaragua in the duo's Central American tour, within a complex international context marked—he said—by aggressions against the sovereignty of peoples.

"To be able to come, sing here, and meet with our emigrants and with Nicaraguan friends who are in solidarity with Cuba and our music is wonderful," emphasized the singer-songwriter.

In the so-called temple of Nicaraguan culture, Buena Fe was accompanied by Alejandro Trigo, in charge of the guitar and the tres, a musician whom Rojas defined as an artist "we admire and respect greatly."

Hours before the show, the Cuban singer had described their presentation in Costa Rica as spectacular. The duo will return to that country this Saturday to continue their Central American tour, which will also take them to Guatemala and El Salvador next week.

Rojas thanked those who make these musical journeys possible, which, almost always at the beginning of the year, bring songs and joy to diverse audiences.

He also sent a special greeting to the folk singers participating in the "Longina canta a Corona" Festival in Santa Clara, expressing his wish that these presentations be an extension of that folk spirit in the region.

Buena Fe is a musical duo from Guantánamo province, in eastern Cuba, in which Rojas, besides being the vocalist and leader, is the composer of the songs, and Martínez is the guitarist and second voice.

Specialized critics recognize the group as one of the most important of its generation, thanks to its originality and a proposal that breaks stereotypes by blending folk music with rock, pop, guaracha, reggae, and flamenco.

Since its debut album "Déjame entrar" (2001), Buena Fe has built a solid discography and a loyal following, which last night in Managua once again confirmed that committed, sensitive, and relatable songs continue to hold a privileged place in the hearts of peoples.