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Miami recognizes her as one of its great entertainers; Cubans embrace her, and many hold her in high esteem. Ten years ago, she arrived in the City of the Sun with clear goals in mind. Here you have Maylú Hernández, the owner and mistress of a wonderful voice and entrepreneurial intelligence.
It’s a pleasure to talk with you. You never say no to an interview, even when you’re overwhelmed with work. I welcome you once again to CiberCuba.
Years ago, during a visit to Miami, I saw you on a show that didn't seem to suit you, as I was used to seeing you in classic settings. What did that experience bring you?
I believe you are referring to the television program "TN3," which aired on Channel 41 from Monday to Friday. It was less than six months after my arrival in the country when I was offered a spot on the show, and of course, I accepted!
When one arrives as an immigrant in a new city, where they need to carve out a space to continue working in their same profession, they must certainly accept it, and for me, it was a great opportunity.
I worked on the program for almost nine years, until it went off the air in 2023.
It was a variety show space and was led by Eduardo Cáceres Manso, “Cachito”, a highly experienced director in Cuban Television. Do you remember "Para bailar"? The format of the program was variety, and in it, I was able to do many things I had always wanted to do, and the producers gave me the freedom to do so. I learned a great deal.
Teamwork and the desire to carry out the programs with joy and professionalism united us all, and we became a big family. It may have had shortcomings and could have been done better, but for me, it was the best and made me very happy.
Being active on screen every day, making myself known to the television audience in Florida, doing what I loved and that could also be seen in Cuba—through "El Paquete"—kept me relevant with the audience on the Island, and it was a total win.
I met with friends who had also come here, made new friendships, worked as a choreographer, dabbled in hosting the program... In short, I think we all felt the loss of her presence deeply!
What is Caro Entertainment?
Caro Entertainment is a show and entertainment company that also provides ticket sales and marketing services. I founded it in May 2016.
I had just arrived and I considered it the best way to officially perform my job, fulfilling all the legal requirements and obligations that it entails.
Caro Entertainment envisioned itself as a company whose artistic output encompasses a wide range of performing arts: variety shows, concerts, musicals, theater, and dance.
Under my name, I have been able to hire soloists, instrumentalists, groups, professionals from the entertainment industry, and of course, my own work as an artist.
In addition, we have been able to provide services that benefit the communities of cities like Miami and Miami Beach, primarily. For example, during the pandemic, when everyone was confined to their homes, the first ones affected were the artists who were unable to go out to work.
Then, I created a live streaming platform through Caro Entertainment, allowing artists to broadcast their work live from their homes and monetize it, thereby generating income during that very difficult time we had to endure.
Does that name have anything to do with someone I know?
Hahaha. I don't even need to explain why I chose the name Caro, right? It's because of my daughter Carolina, who is my inspiration and reason to live.
Through Caro Entertainment, I have completed all my work in these nearly 10 years that I have spent in this great and generous country, which opened its doors and its heart to us, and that makes me feel very blessed and thankful.
You share the stage with many talented Cuban artists; the most recent was Juan Manuel Campos, at a lovely concert that was sold out.
Yes, I have been very lucky, Julita. I have shared the stage with artists of great value, professionalism, and whom I have always admired.
Being able to create, produce, and direct my own shows, many of which I have shared with those greats, is a very significant personal achievement for me and makes me grow artistically every day.
My dear Juan Manuel Campos is an incredibly versatile artist, very complete, sensitive, and it's also very easy to create and work with him. I always make sure to express my affection and admiration for him and his great art.
Which greats have you shared the stage with?
Regarding "the greats" with whom I have shared the stage, I would prefer not to mention names because there are so many... I'm afraid I might leave someone out, and I have learned immensely from all of them, for which I am very grateful.
But I must mention the great Meme Solís. I was fortunate to sing with him at my 20th anniversary show in 2017, and since then I have felt a respect, admiration, and affection for him that transcend the artistic and have remained with me forever. I never thought I would meet him, listen to him, learn from him, sing his songs... Unforgettable, simply! I adore him.
What have you planned for December; do you have any Christmas concert in the works?
For this month, in addition to my monthly show at the excellent and renowned restaurant SuperMachi, where I have been performing for almost three years, I will have other performances in different locations. However, the most significant event will be the Christmas Concert, for which I have been invited by the maestro Marlene Urbay along with her Big Band de Jazz. It will take place on December 21 at St. Dominic Church. This has me very, very excited.
The last time we talked, I mentioned that Miami is considered by many to be the graveyard of Cuban artists; however, now, actresses, actors, singers, and directors have found their "niche." Do you think a new resonance has opened up for everyone?
The term "cemetery of artists" is quite relative, my dear Julita, and knowing the artistic careers that many exiles had and continue to uphold in Miami, I don't think that's the case.
You have to be here to hear the stories and experiences of many artists who have proven that it's anything but a “graveyard.” Moreover, I can speak from my own experience, which has not been like that. It's difficult, of course—very difficult. When you arrive, you have to carve out your own path; it’s doubly challenging, and you also have to ensure the bare minimum for your existence: paying rent, food, transportation, and many other expenses...
So you have to work wherever you can, earn enough to cover those expenses, but without stopping your passion during the little time you have left.
Until the moment comes when you can breathe more comfortably, and then everything stabilizes.
And yes, you are right, many spaces have flourished where artists can perform: restaurants, theaters... and the nights in the city have really come alive. I hope it continues like this!!
Cabaret, The Phantom of the Opera, The Merry Widow, Evita, The Pharaoh's Court are some of the works you have performed on diverse stages. Do you still include them in your repertoire? Have you added any more?
Yes, of course, all those titles remain in my repertoire along with others that I have been able to add now that I'm here in the "muck" hahaha! In 2024, I starred in the operetta The Merry Widow, which was presented at the Manuel Artime Theater by Marti Productions, who gave me that great opportunity in this country.
And I am also very excited because on May 30, 2026, I will present The Pharaoh's Court with my own company, also at the "Artime" in Miami, with a grand production that we are preparing.
During this time, I indulged in creating a series of shows called “Lights of the Musical,” which recreated famous musicals such as Cabaret, The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Chicago, Cats, Mamma Mia, The Lion King, and many more...
They had about three or four seasons, can you imagine? I think it's time to bring those shows back... I just love that genre, for God's sake!!!
Maylú, do you consider yourself to be in your splendid artistic maturity?
The School of the ENA, where I graduated; the nearly 10 years in the Television Ballet; the lyrical singing lessons received, among others, from the teacher María Eugenia Barrios; the teachings of directors like Alfonso Menéndez, Tony Díaz, and Nelson Dorr; the almost six years in Gato Tuerto, among other experiences, have allowed me to venture into various genres and, above all, to work a lot, a lot, a lot...
I have matured, and I believe that nowadays I am more aware of what I do; I know myself better as an artist and what I can offer, and I am more mature in every sense. Well, after more than 25 years of work, it had to be this way... don't you think?
I know you are a wonderful mother and a great daughter. Tell me about Carolina.
Time flies! Carolina is soon going to turn 14 years old. She is a very beautiful and intelligent girl. She is in 8th grade at Miami Arts Studio, a very comprehensive school with high academic standards where all art specialties are studied.
She learns the saxophone and plays in three of the school's bands: the symphonic band, the jazz band, and the rhythm band. She is very happy at her school and has excellent grades. She took her first communion a couple of years ago and is now preparing for her confirmation in May of next year. We couldn't ask for more!
My mom is doing very well, thank God, and as always, she's covering my back with Caro. Moreover, she is the most important support in all my productions... and that's how we roll, winning each battle, one by one.
From the Maylú of that September 8, 2010, at the Church of Our Lady of Charity, where you interpreted, like no one else, the "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert, to the current Maylú, what differences and similarities can you share? Do you see the world differently now?
What a lovely question! The Maylú from back then is almost the same as today.
Very determined, very responsible, very hardworking, very family-oriented, and always maintaining my faith... The only thing I would add is that I’m a bit older now, which brings the blessing of being more mature, more experienced, a little wiser, and, above all, with a strong desire to keep growing and do more, more things.
Maybe I'm a bit more fearful that time won't be on my side, that our health won't hold up, that one day my mom won't be here... Anyway, it's best not to go down that path, as it makes me sentimental, haha..
Cuba is no longer what it used to be. Ten years ago, you left because you realized that it was going nowhere, and you didn’t want to see your daughter trapped in that quagmire. Now, everything is infinitely worse. Do you want to talk about it?
There is little that can be said about Cuba. Just when you think things can't get worse, they do. I no longer have family there, but I do have good friends, and I suffer for them and for all Cubans on the Island.
From here, everything we hear and see is horrifying. The little that one can do is heaven for them. There are many people and organizations trying to help in every way possible. Especially when there is a sick person and no medicine, the lack of food, the unsanitary conditions; everything is a nightmare and with no end in sight. "How long?" is the question. A whole country dying day by day. When I talk about this, it gives me a knot in my throat that you can't imagine.
Do you have any dreams that you haven't been able to realize?
I can't speak in the past tense. I still have some time ahead of me. My ambitions focus on my work and my daughter. I would like to do bigger things, to leverage the advancement of technology to produce grand shows, with many artists and art professionals, and to proudly elevate the name of Cubans.
And on a personal level, I just want to see my daughter happy, healthy, with a secured future, and me by her side to enjoy her.
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