Cuban music, from the most traditional to the contemporary. It is an undeniable expression of our culture and identity, rich in genres and artists. That’s why CMKO Radio Angulo’s programming schedule wouldn’t be complete without shows that champion Cuban music in all its forms. One of these is Cancionero Cubano (Cuban Songbook). A program that celebrated 30 years since its first broadcast on April 1st.
It was at the beginning of 1996 when poet and radio personality Mayda Pérez Gallego presented a project to the music programming department of CMKO to promote Cuban music.
And why did Pérez Gallego choose that particular name for the show? Around that time, pamphlets called “Cancioneros” (Songbooks) were sold. Containing song lyrics. In these publications, you could find everything from a bolero to a song, a cha-cha-cha, or a son. And that was precisely the goal Mayda wanted to achieve with the program.
Photo: Taken from Facebook
Moreover several announcers, sound engineers, and directors have been part of this program. Including Jaime Johan, Martha Pérez, Yinet Cruz Cabrera, René Martínez Torres, Nelson Cruz Teja, Jorge Ramiro Velázquez, Alejandro Mármol, Aliuska Obregón, Alicia González Diéguez, and Maité Santiesteban.
Photo: Yailyn Ojeda Grass
Currently, the Cancionero Cubano production team consists of Carmen Iglesias as host. Raimundo Peña Cruz as recording engineer, Idalberto Betancourt Cordero as director. And Flor Vega Ornia, who has been producing and writing it for twenty-five years.
Sound engineer Raimundo Peña with Idalberto Betancourt. Photo: Yailyn Ojeda Grass
Also Flor’s connection to this program transcends time. It began in 1996 when she was Head of the Music Department at the time the project was created. She was on the founding team as an advisor with Mayda Pérez as scriptwriter. Until in 2001 she became the writer.
Photo: Taken from Facebook
This is one of Flor’s deepest loves for radio. And who better than her to keep this program alive, a staunch defender of Cuban music.
According to Flor Vega, “Cancionero is a journey through the music of our country. Which, through its pages, revives the history, traditions, and soul of the Cuban people. From the most emblematic classics to the melodies that have marked different eras.”
From the beginning, the program was broadcast live for one hour. Monday through Friday nights. It currently airs at 11:30 p.m. It features several segments. Such as “Cuban Music Around the World,” “Holguin, I Want to Sing to You,” “A Song from the International Songbook Popularized by a Cuban Singer or Group,” and concludes with a musical jam session.
After 30 years, Cancionero Cubano has left a mark on the hearts of those who have worked on it. Many memories remain from producing it live each night. And much has been learned from Cuban music lovers. This is how Yinet Cruz Cabrera, who was its main announcer for 19 years, remembers it:
By: Yailyn Ojeda Grass
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