Two programs on CMKO Radio Angulo are celebrating anniversaries. While they may not be celebrating the same number of years. The teams behind “La hora de los cabezones” (The Hour of the Big Heads) and “Esto sí sabe a Cuba” (This Really Tastes Like Cuba) share many commonalities.
I’ll start with the younger one, celebrating just 11 years. One of the station’s teams that is a staunch defender of Holguin and Cuban music. The one that begins every morning with the star Joaquín Mulen telling you… “This really tastes like Cuba.”
It’s a project by Amalio Carralero Reyes, a scriptwriter, music director, and program director. Who rarely speaks on air, but he doesn’t need to, because he makes magic with sound.
Amalio Carralero Reyes, decided 11 years ago to create a space to promote Cuban music. A home for Holguin artists, where they could share their music with listeners. This more ambitious project, featuring interviews and segments, replaced the half-hour musical program “Lo tengo to’ pensao,” also by this producer.
Many local and national artists, and even some from outside the island, have graced the microphones of this program. We not only cherish these fond memories. But yes, I must speak in the plural because I am also part of the team.
The “Escaleras” (Upstairs) competition, with seven editions, is one of the segments this team has most enjoyed producing. With the goal of promoting musical creation. It dedicated its editions to performers, groups, DJs, electronic music producers, troubadours, ensembles, and even music-focused radio programs.
From July 7th, 2015, until now, Amalio has remained in charge of the script and direction, while I (Yailyn Ojeda) have provided consulting services. Eric de la Cruz has continued in the mastering department along with Eduardo Vega, Dianelis Remedios, Yandré Marrero, and others. Dayana Agüero Parra has been the main voice of the show. With Gilberto García, César Hidalgo, and Aliuska Obregón as substitutes.
The CMKO program “Esto sí sabe a Cuba” (This Really Tastes Like Cuba) is hosted by a team that has collaborated with local musicians in different segments. Related to various genres of Cuban music. We thank the troubadour Laynier Verdecia, the specialist Thais Palau, the décima poet Radormir Ferrero, and DJ Alexei Music. As well as Joaquín Mulen for his special collaboration as the promotional voice.
And as a true Cuban, it’s impossible not to enjoy our musical roots. Not to tap your foot when you hear a good song, or not to hum along. You can experience all that and much more Monday through Friday at 11:15 a.m., because we always remind you that “Esto sí sabe a Cuba” (This Really Tastes Like Cuba).
On the other hand, some of this musical team has continued a program that celebrated its 20th anniversary on July 5th, having first aired on CMKO. Thanks to the efforts of Hendrick Knight, this program has frequently been featured in special broadcasts of events such as the Romerías de Mayo (May Pilgrimages). It’s called “La hora de los cabezones” (The Hour of the Bigheads).
“La hora de los cabezones” is a project by Jorge Ribail Reyes. Who at the time was the head of the Audiovisual Section of the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS) in Holguin. This organization commissioned him to create a program on Radio Angulo. To promote the young artistic vanguard of the region, as no such program existed until then.
It’s important to clarify that the intention was always for the program to last an hour, hence the name. However, for many years it aired for only 30 minutes.
This is how it all began, alongside Omar Pupo, Amalio Carralero, Yiyi Pérez. Also with Dayana Agüero, and Yurisel Moreno as the voice-over artist—a young graduate in Art History. And member of the AHS (Hermanos Saíz Association)—a team directed by Ribail himself.
But other producers joined this initial group.
Advisors: Flor Vega, Tamara Manso, Yailyn Ojeda, Alicia Durañona
Master control operators: Dianelis Remedio, Yandré Marrero, Eduardo Vega, currently Eric de la Cruz, and Amalio Carralero as recording engineer and music director when recording, as well as substitute director.
Voice-over artists: César Hidalgo, Vivian García (who replaced Yurisel during her maternity leave). Dayana Agüero, Rosana Rivero, Iris Torres, and currently Aniel Santiesteban.
Directed by: Jorge Ribail, Hendrick Knight, and Yailyn Ojeda.
Contributors: Manuel Alejandro, Roberto Sera, Erian Peña, Yailén Campaña, Liset Prego. Currently, Lorena Velázquez as Head of the Literature Section and journalist Erick Méndez reporting from Havana.
This program not only expresses gratitude to the large number of filmmakers who joined the team at a young age. Most of whom have been members of the AHS (Hermanos Saíz Association) or have had direct contact with the organization. But also to artists both within and outside the province. The program’s main purpose is to promote the work of young creators. Whether or not they are members of the Hermanos Saíz Association.
It’s been 20 years of careers, live scares, emotions, and outdoor broadcasts. But above all, two decades of young art. Now, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. every Saturday, it’s “The Hour of the Big Heads!”
By: Yailyn Ojeda Grass
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