Q&A: Eliades Ochoa

Eliades Ochoa returns to Strathmore with new album and timeless Cuban son

By PJ Feinstein

At 78, Eliades Ochoa remains one of Cuba’s most beloved musical ambassadors. The guitarist and vocalist first captured international attention as a member of the Buena Vista Social Club in the late 1990s, popularizing traditional Cuban son music worldwide. His latest album, Guajiro, showcases a more personal side of the legendary musician. Ochoa performs at Strathmore on April 19.

Your new album Guajiro feels very personal and deeply rooted in tradition. What inspired you to create it?

Guajiro shares parts of my humble beginnings in the mountains of Santiago de Cuba. It’s the first time I’ve written most of the songs for an album, and I think it was about time. I hope people enjoy listening to and dancing to its songs.

Many people first discovered you through Buena Vista Social Club in the mid-1990s. What do you remember most from that time?

Buena Vista Social Club opened the doors to traditional Cuban music. The songs we recorded had been part of our repertoire for many years, so when we entered the studio, it felt natural—like a reunion among colleagues. Traditional music is rich in sound, and people enjoy it. That’s why it never gets old.

Looking back on your career, what has stayed constant in your musical identity?

I keep my roots in traditional Cuban music while evolving. I try to learn something new every day and experiment with different rhythms every time I record an album.

What advice would you give young musicians working to preserve traditional music?

Keep working hard to improve and give your best to the audience. Dreams come true never stop believing in your art.

As you prepare to return to Strathmore this April, what can audiences expect?

They will have an incredible time. The set list features a variety of rhythms, and I hope they can dance a little. That will make me and the band very happy.