MADRID, Spain.- In the last few hours it has been revealed that Cuban singer-songwriter Amaury Gutiérrez, a renowned figure in international music, is detained at the airport in Cartagena, Colombia, a country where he had several performances scheduled. According to the artist himself, this is due to a incident with an immigration agent occurred this Tuesday, September 3.
Gutiérrez, in addition to having an artistic career spanning more than 30 years and international recognition, maintains a critical stance towards the Cuban regime.
Born on September 9, 1963 in San Antonio de las Vueltas, from a very young age he showed an inclination towards music that led him to enter the School of Art Instructors in Santa Clara at the age of 15, in 1979. Later, he perfected his training in singing at the Higher Institute of Art (ISA) from Havana.
Amaury Gutiérrez’s musical style is a fusion of genres that he himself describes as “Cuban pop,” where influences from traditional trova, bolero, Cuban son and contemporary rhythms come together. His vocal ability and the deep feeling that he imprints in his performances have positioned him as a powerful artist. Among the musicians who have influenced him the most are figures such as Pablo MilanesCaetano Veloso, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.
Her debut album, titled Amaury Gutierrez and released in 1999, catapulted him to international success: it sold more than 600,000 copies and earned him a Latin Grammy nomination. His career has been marked by hits that consolidated his place in the music scene, such as his second album Stones and flowers (2000). This was followed by others such as New soul (2002), Pieces of myes (2006), Intimate sessions (2010), In my own way (2013), Author3s (2014), Between the strings (2015) and Encanto (2018).
Gutierrez not only has he won recognition from the public, but also from the music industry. In 2000 he received the Onda Award in Spain as a new artist, and in 2011 he was awarded the Latin Grammy for Best Singer-Songwriter Album for Intimate sessions.
The Grammy in 2011 was especially significant, as during the ceremony Gutiérrez dedicated his award to the opposition group Ladies in White, and called for an end to the dictatorship in Cuba. “I want to dedicate this award to the Ladies in White, to the people of Cuba who are slaves… Long live free Cuba, down with the dictatorship!” he exclaimed upon receiving the award.
Amaury Gutiérrez has maintained a constant public criticism of the Cuban communist system. Not only has he been an opponent of the regime, but he has also openly pointed out the defenders of communism who reside outside the Island. In 2018, He used his social media to send a strong message. “To anyone who defends communism and is honest, go live in Cuba with a ration book and then we will talk,” he wrote on his Facebook profile, alluding to the difficult living conditions under the Cuban system.
That same year he received another Latin Grammy for his participation in the song “Se le ve”, from the album Swing 80 by Milton Salcedo, in the Best Arrangement category.
Last July signed an exclusive contract with JN Music Group, a major record label in Miami, the city where he has lived for years, after a long stay in Mexico.
Amaury Gutiérrez has shared the stage with important figures of Latin music, such as Luis Enrique, Gema Corredera, David Bisbal, Luis Fonsi and Gilberto Santa Rosa, consolidating himself as one of the most influential Cuban musicians of recent decades. His fusion of genres, his distinctive vocal interpretation and his tireless defense of his country’s freedom have made him an admired figure in the musical world, but also a political reference for many Cubans who share his struggle.
