Septeto Santiaguero will bring its signature style, distinction, and authentic Cuban essence to the Festival de la Salsa in Cuba. With a new edition just around the corner, taking place from February 19th to the 23rd, we spoke with Fernando Dewar, director of the prestigious son ensemble.

How do you feel about being invited to participate in the Festival de la Salsa in Cuba?

“We’re very grateful to be invited for the second time to this festival. It’s a great honor for Septeto Santiaguero to have our music be taken into consideration for such an important event that highlights Cuban music. We are soneros, and as such, we represent the foundation, the roots, of what is known as salsa. We feel truly honored because we are dedicated to preserving traditional music—son, bolero, guaracha—all of which are deeply interconnected.”

From Santiago to Havana—what will Septeto Santiaguero bring to the stage?

“The fact that we, coming from Santiago de Cuba, have been invited to this festival in the capital shows the event’s commitment to including groups from different regions of the country. This isn’t just Havana’s festival—it’s a Cuban, national festival. Septeto Santiaguero will be there to perform its signature repertoire.

“We’ll play songs from our most recent albums, including tracks from Los Compadres, the 2015 album that won the Cubadisco Award, the Latin Grammy, and was also nominated for an American Grammy. We’ll perform songs from Raíz (2017), which was also nominated for a Latin Grammy, such as La Meneadera, La Rumba está buena, and, of course, some more recent ones from our 2018 Grammy-winning album with José Alberto ‘El Canario,’ as well as newer tracks from Sigo Pa’lante.”

So, are you happy and ready to get everyone dancing to the rhythm of son at Club 500?

“Yes! We’re very excited and invite all dancers, soneros, and salsa lovers to join us at the Festival de la Salsa. Our concert will be lively, energetic, and full of joy—we can’t wait to see you there!”

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff