A video posted on Instagram by the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts brought to light one of the most cherished moments in Celia Cruz's career: her participation in a children's program on public television in the United States.
It is about the popular "Sesame Street," a well-known educational television series famous for its puppet characters - the well-known Muppets - and its Spanish version "Plaza Sésamo."
In the clip, which quickly went viral with over 300,800 likes, the Queen of Salsa performs her classic "Quimbara" surrounded by dolls and children, who enthusiastically join her.
"Salsa is for all ages... and for puppets," the post highlighted, emphasizing the inclusive and festive nature of the Cuban singer's music.
In the comments, many users agreed on the significance of that legacy.
A Hispanic woman recalled that Celia was one of the first Latina artists to show Latino children that it was valuable to speak Spanish and to feel proud of their roots.
Other internet users pointed out how fortunate those children were. "I hope they look back with fondness," said one.
"Children who were properly educated," another pointed out.
"The television we need back," stated a user.
Celia Cruz's relationship with the children's audience was not incidental.
Between 1987 and 1995, the artist appeared in four episodes of the television show, where she shared the stage with her characters and child actors.
There, he performed some of his classics like "Quimbara" and "Sun sun babae," spreading joy and musical lessons to both children and adults. His genuine connection with the little ones left an indelible memory.
The video rescued by the Lehman Center also serves as a prelude to their upcoming show "Los Tres Reyes y sus Reinas - A Theatrical Musical Concert," scheduled for November 8 in New York.
The production aims to recreate the golden age of Latin music at the legendary Palladium, paying tribute to figures like Tito Puente, Tito Rodríguez, Machito, La Lupe, and the iconic Celia Cruz, portrayed by Anissa Gathers.
The echo of the dissemination of this memory confirms that, more than two decades after her departure, Celia Cruz remains alive in the collective memory, not only as an icon of salsa but also as a cultural reference that connected entire generations from the biggest stages to children's programs.
Frequently asked questions about Celia Cruz and her legacy in children's programs
What was Celia Cruz's involvement in children's programs?
Celia Cruz participated in children's programs such as Sesame Street, where she appeared in four episodes between 1987 and 1995. During her appearances, she performed songs like "Quimbara" and "Sun sun babae," bringing joy and musical lessons to both children and adults. Her connection with the little ones left an indelible mark, highlighting her ability to resonate with different generations.
Why is the video recovered by the Lehman Center significant?
The video released by the Lehman Center is significant because it features Celia Cruz performing "Quimbara" in a children's program, surrounded by kids and dolls. This clip highlights the inclusive and festive nature of her music, and it has made clear that more than two decades after her passing, Celia continues to be a cultural icon that connects generations.
How has Celia Cruz's legacy been recognized in New York and other places?
The legacy of Celia Cruz has been celebrated in New York with events such as the concert "Celia vive" for her centenary, where Cuban artists paid tribute to her influence on Latin music. Additionally, her legacy has been recognized at events like Billboard Women in Music, where she received the Posthumous Legend Award. However, in Cuba, her legacy has not received the same official recognition, reflecting a contradiction in how her cultural influence is celebrated.
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