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The stage is infused with an almost palpable magic, as if the air itself knows that something extraordinary is about to happen. Under the soft light, a majestic piano sits in silence, patiently awaiting the touch of hands capable of drawing out its soul. The audience, eagerly anticipating, holds its breath in that moment suspended between calm and wonder.
And then she appears… Isabel Íñigo!
Proud in her presence, striking in her bearing, energetic with every step she takes toward the piano, as if the stage has belonged to her forever. She sits down, and at the precise moment her hands touch the keys, time seems to stand still. The music begins to flow, not just as a melody, but as a story unfolding in each note.
And so, amidst lights, silence, and emotion, Isabelita Íñigo not only captivates: she captures feelings, invades hearts, and leaves an indelible mark on every spectator.
Since when do you make your music felt? For my part, it's been several decades
It has been 45 years, approximately 44 years of my career, because I started at the age of 16, and in a few days I will turn 60. I have never interrupted my singing, my dedication as a teacher, my music, and everything that surrounds the work of an artist.
In my childhood and adolescence, I studied at the "Manuel Saumell" conservatory, then spent a year at "Guillermo Tomás" and graduated from "Amadeo Roldán." It was 11 years of study.
That was my basic technical training. Even before I graduated, I was in the vocal quartet Génesis.
I started with Génesis, with which I was for 19 years. Specifically, during a vacation in Peru, while still part of the group, I was offered a job and met the man who is now my husband. I got married and I was there for 27 years!
Peru occupies a very important place in your life
Peru! Indeed, it's quite significant that my two sons, Luis Armando and Luciano, were born there. I went to Peru for two months and ended up staying for five; I was called back and stayed for another five, and as I mentioned before, it was just as I was about to return that I met my husband.
Within two months, we had established a stable life; I became pregnant with my first child, and that's when my life in Peru as a solo artist began. I spoke with the members of Génesis, invited them, and we held a grand farewell concert in Peru while I was already expecting my firstborn.
That’s where my career as a solo artist began; I started with my piano, along with a musical group, to create beautiful work in Peru as a singer and as a teacher for young talents who were already singing. I also prepared others to launch their careers as singers, and today they have made a name for themselves.
Little by little, I began to establish a reputation as a teacher. I was able to make it to television and participate in many programs as a judge or coach. Programs like "Camino a la Fama," "Desafío y Fama," "American Idol," "Operación Triunfo Perú," behind the kids who were on "La Voz."
I was with the boys who participated in the "Yo Soy" program, because sometimes I didn’t appear directly, but I was definitely behind them. Even today, I continue working as a teacher with many like them and with young people who have also approached me. Well, young people and also not-so-young ones, as well as professionals whom I now prepare technically to continue their careers as singers.
This is regarding what I have done throughout my life and what I continue to do with great affection. Yes, I consider Peru to be my second homeland because it opened its doors to me not only as an artist and a professional but also gave me the opportunity to start a family.
As I mentioned, my two children are Peruvian, and there I felt at home; in addition to being a wonderful land, its music is extraordinary, and I was able to appreciate and get to know closely each of the genres that are part of that culture, along with many beautiful things that Peruvian culture has, which completely captivated me.
From what you're saying, you stole the hearts of the Peruvians, not just your husband's, right?
Well, yes, that's one way to put it. I am very loved, and I care for them a lot, just as they do for me. Besides my classes, I participated in many important events, theaters, and festivals, where I was able to showcase my Cuban music because I didn't only sing Peruvian music.
All the time I raised my flag. I sang traditional Cuban music and all those beloved songs by the greats of our musical history that Peruvians know and respect.
In Peru, there is a rich culture surrounding Cuban music. They know a great deal about all the legends like Benny Moré, Celia, Los Compadres, Celina, and Reutilio, who defined significant eras. Their extensive knowledge of traditional Cuban music truly amazed me and filled me with pride.
The leap from Peru to Miami, why?
Let's see, coming to the United States, specifically to Miami, has allowed us to all be together as a family, because my husband already had his four eldest children from his first marriage here, along with seven grandchildren. Also, one of my sons was around here studying and had gotten engaged. Back then, it was just my other son, my husband, and me. So we decided to come to this warm city and unite the family… something very important!
You know that Miami used to be considered the cemetery of artists, of singers, but I think that has changed radically. What do you think?
Definitely, I believe that the entertainment nights in Miami have been increasing. There is more activity than in previous years when I visited, which brings me a lot of joy because it allows artists to connect more and collaborate on more shows together.
We have more places to showcase our art. And I, alongside my singing, of course, continue my work as a teacher, which is something I have been doing with great passion for several years as well.
And I am very happy because I teach young students as well as train professional artists who have been in this career for years but also need to keep improving. And well… I am happy because I have students who are very promising, and that, of course, fills any teacher with pride!
I know you have shared the stage with many singers in Cuba, in Peru, and now in Miami. It would be indiscreet to ask which ones you felt more comfortable with, but could you mention some of them?
Indeed, I have shared stages with numerous singers. For example, in Peru, with almost all of them, from those who perform their genre, the waltz, to Creole music in general.
Here are Bartola, Rosa Flor, Leo Amaya, who is a gypsy singer born in Peru and the niece of Carmen Amaya; Lourdes Carhuas, a great composer and singer; Elsa María Elejalde, another of the greats. Eva John, Chabuca Granda, the emblematic composer, Marco Romero, Cecilia Barraza, Cecilia Bracamonte, Nancy Calixto… all the ones you can imagine.
I have also had the fortune of having worked in Cuba with all the greats and getting to know many international artists, like Silvana Di Lorenzo and Lupita. And, of course, with all the Cubans, among them, Mundito, Malena, and how could I forget! those immeasurable figures of our music, Elena Burke and doña Omara Portuondo.
I want to share that the other day I was with Rojitas, we did something together and I was very happy because getting together with lifelong colleagues always allows me to relive beautiful moments, and that chemistry is evident on stage. Everything we create is a gift for the audience that is present.
One question I always ask my singer interviewees is: what do you think of reggaeton?
Reguetón is a genre that isn't one of my favorites, but I wouldn't say that I can't stand it either. No, no, no, I think it stems from a fusion as well.
Isabelita, which composers move you, keeping in mind that you are a bolero singer, a descarga artist… a singer of love?
Yes, I live, I feel… I absolutely love the improvisation! When I sit at the piano, the boleros flow like spring water. From Cantoral to María Grever, María Teresa Vera, Agustín Lara, Pedrito Junco, Álvaro Carrillo, Armando Manzanero...
Since it's all music, I like everything; I've already told you about Celina and Reutilio, La Sonora Matancera, and the unforgettable Celia Cruz and Benny.
The daily life of Isabelita Íñigo in Miami
My daily routine involves getting up to teach online classes and sometimes in person. I practice the topics a lot because I enjoy putting together repertoires; I'm always on the lookout for what's trendy, so I can include a touch of it in my show and see how much people enjoy themselves and leave with a good memory.
I know that the family has grown
Well, yes, I have a lovely granddaughter from my eldest son; she is a year and a half old and her name is Chloe. So we are together and happy in this cozy and always sunny City of the Sun. This is my life. I believe that an artist never stops doing what they love until their last days, and that’s who I am...
It is a great pleasure to have a conversation with a woman of strong character who owns the music, the feeling, and the passion in every lyric, every chord, and every melody. Thank you for sharing with the readers of CiberCuba. Wishing you success and tremendous work that brings happiness to your audience.
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