Living Cuban legend Eliades Ochoa headlines Afro Roots Fest at the Miami Beach Bandshell on March 16. The Buena Vista Social Club star performs at the ticketed event at the ongoing, nomadic music festival’s opening date beginning at 7 p.m. with special guests Mofongo de Plena. Concertgoers can expect to hear all the Cuban folk music classics plus cuts from his latest release, 2023’s Guajiro.
Select tickets are still available by clicking here. Event support provided by the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, the Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the City of Miami Beach, and the Rhythm Foundation. Learn more at AfroRootsFest.com.
Eliades Ochoa hopped on the Jitney to answer our questions before his only Florida appearance.
What is your earliest musical memory?
Eliades Ochoa: I always remember my early beginnings when I became a professional musician. I played at La Casa de la Trova in Santiago de Cuba with “trovadores” who had a long music trajectory. This place became my music school.
When did you first pick up the guitar and why?
When I was about five years old, I began playing the guitar while listening to my parents play at “guateques” in the mountains of Santiago de Cuba. They both played the Cuban Tres. I was always entertained by their music and I tried to practice those songs with my guitar.
Who is your biggest musical influence?
My biggest influence is traditional Cuban rhythms including boleros, sones, guarachas, and others. I have been performing this type of music my entire life and always try to find innovative ways to add to the songs without losing the essence of Cuban roots and traditions. I enjoy listening to Los Compadres, Benny More, Celia Cruz, among others. I also appreciate traditional music from Venezuela and Mexico as well as Latin salseros.
What is the first song you ever wrote?
The first song I wrote was “Paz para el Mundo” – “Peace to the World” when I played at an event organized by the Vatican in Italy.
How did joining the Buena Vista Social Club sessions change your life?
I was supposed to record an album with musicians from Mali, but they couldn’t make it due to visa issues. However, they were already in town with their equipment and decided to record a Cuban music album instead. Since I was already there, they started contacting other musicians for the project, including some with a long career in Cuban music. I had met some of them before, but it had been a long time since I last saw them. Company Segundo toured with my group before Buena Vista and we maintained a great friendship over the years.
Did you expect the recording and film to become the global phenomenon that it did?
Nobody knew about the success of Buena Vista. We only focused on enjoying the music and giving our best in each song. We are extremely grateful for the success of the album and the movie as it opened doors for Cuban music.
What are your thoughts about Ry Cooder and Wim Wenders 25 years later?
I think they did an incredible work. We are grateful for their support.
Which artists are you listening to today?
I listen to Los Tres Reyes, Los Compadres, and my music since I’m currently on tour and I like to practice any chance I have.
What are some of the inspirations that led you to write the material on Guajiro?
I have been inspired by the increasing number of young people attending our shows. We want them to connect with our music and engage with our songs, which is why we decided to create a more contemporary album. We added saxophone, violin, and a variety of guitar chords to enhance the overall sound. Each song has a specific meaning, and I composed the majority of them myself. Guajiro tell the story of my life in songs.
What do you love the most about playing in Miami?
I feel at home in Miami. I love this city. When I’m not touring, I spend time between Miami and Madrid, where I live. One of the things I enjoy the most is going to listen to bands playing Son Cubano. I feel Miami is keeping the Cuban traditions alive, and the Son Cubano is growing strong roots here. That makes me happy. So I’m looking forward to our March 16 show, hoping to see good friends and an audience eager to enjoy our music.
