Gerardo Alfonso is a Cuban singer-songwriter, born in Havana on November 1, 1958.
Always accompanied by his guitar, this musician, a representative of the Nueva Trova since the 1980s, never pursued formal music education. Everything he knows and does comes from his innate talents and what he learned self-taught. He is the creator of the genres guayasón and ochanga, incorporating melodic elements from rural and Afro-Cuban music. Brazilian music, as well as the blend of rock and reggae, can also be sensed as influences in his creations, which are enriched with socially relevant lyrics.
Two of his most well-known songs have become symbols for generations of Cubans: his "Yo te quería María," popularized by the group Moncada in the 80s, and "Sábanas Blancas," which not only served as the theme for a well-known Cuban television program but also as a love song dedicated to the Cuban capital. His song "Son los sueños todavía," composed on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ernesto Che Guevara's death in Bolivia (1997), became an anthem for protests. In this regard, the musician has always made his support for the Cuban regime clear, stating that he "has a political commitment" and that he decided to stay in Cuba to 'combat' through music "the lies of capitalist societies regarding Cuba." In 2018, he composed the song "Que le quiten lo bailado a otro," referring to the Helms-Burton Act.
Alongside the leading figures of the Nueva Trova, he has performed on important stages across Latin America, sharing the spotlight with Pablo Milanés, Santiago Feliú, María Bethania, Silvio Rodríguez, Carlos Varela, Frank Delgado, among others.
His songs have served as the soundtrack for several films such as: Today Like Yesterday (1991), The Laughter of Ochún (1995), and Heat (1996).
He has performed in various countries, such as Chile, Argentina, Sweden, Panama, Italy, Venezuela, France, Germany, Colombia, Spain, among others, and has shared the stage with: Xiomara Laugart, Pablo Milanés, Alberto Tosca, Carlos Varela, María Bethania, among others.
He develops a lesser-known facet as a communicator, teacher at art schools and educational institutes, and cultural promoter.
His albums have been awarded several times at Cubadisco, and his artistic career has been recognized and honored, for example:
- Distinction for Culture (Ministry of Culture of Cuba)
- Diploma for Artistic Merit (Higher Institute of Art of Cuba)
- April Award (Hermanos Saíz Association)
- Alejo Carpentier Order (Council of State of Cuba)
- Giraldilla of Havana (Government of the City of Havana)
Discs:
Flying to the Moon (1990)
The Wolves Gather (1993)
White Sheets (1995)
Gerardo Alfonso. Unplugged (1999)
Recap (2000)
The Illustrated Knight of Paris (2001)
Don't Look at Me So Strangely. Unplugged (2002)
Moments (2002)
The Things I Tell You (2003)
Race (2004)
By the Seaside (2006)
Quarter of a Century (2006)
The Summit (2009)
Camagüeyan Legends (2010)
