MIAMI, United States. – Known for her powerful voice and her impressive stage presence, Mayra Caridad Valdés was one of the most prominent figures in Cuban music, especially in the field of jazz.
Throughout her career, the singer has demonstrated an innate ability to fuse musical styles and captivate audiences around the world with her talent and charisma.
Born in Quivicán, Cuba, in 1956, Mayra Caridad Valdés was the sister of the pianist chucho valdesand daughter of the emblematic baby valdes. From an early age, she was surrounded by music, which allowed her to develop her passion and her vocal ability.
Graduated in Choral Music from the National School of Art, she was discovered by Harry Belafonte in 1981, who made her accompany him on numerous tours on the Island and abroad. She was the voice of the Tropicana cabaret during the ’90s and was part of the band Irakere.
Her talent and versatility opened the doors to jazz, a genre that allowed her to explore her vocal abilities more deeply. In 1995, she released her first solo album, The Goddess of the Sea, a work that combines jazz, Cuban son, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Specialized critics praised the album for its originality and Valdés’s ability to fuse musical styles.
Throughout her career, Mayra Caridad Valdés collaborated with internationally renowned musicians such as Arturo Sandoval, David Sánchez and Giovanni Hidalgo, among others. She also participated in important jazz festivals around the world, including the Havana International Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival in Spain.
In the first two decades of the 2000s, Mayra Caridad continued to explore her jazz facet and released new recordings. In 2015, she released her album Obatalaa production that unites jazz with Yoruba music, reflecting his connection to Afro-Cuban roots and his interest in spirituality.
Mayra Caridad Valdés died in Havana on November 9, 2019, at the age of 63.
