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 studied music formally. Everything he knows and does comes from his innate talent and what he learned autodidactically. He is the creator of the genres guayasón and ochanga, which incorporate melodic elements from rural music and Afro-Cuban traditions. Brazilian music, as well as the blend of rock and reggae, can also be sensed as influences in his creations, which feature socially themed 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 became the theme of a well-known Cuban television program but also serves as a love song to the Cuban capital. His song "Son los sueños todavía," composed for the 30th anniversary of Ernesto Che Guevara's death in Bolivia (1997), became an anthem for protests. Throughout his career, the musician has made his support for the Cuban regime clear, stating that he has "a political commitment" and that he chose 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" in reference to the Helms-Burton Act.
Alongside the leading figures of the Nueva Trova movement, 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 as Yesterday (1991), The Laughter of Ochún (1995), and Heat (1996).
He has performed in several 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 role as a communicator, teacher in 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, such as:
- Distinction for Culture (Ministry of Culture of Cuba)
- Diploma for Artistic Merit (Higher Institute of Art of Cuba)
- April Prize (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. Acoustic Guitar (1999)
Recap (2000)
The Illustrated Knight of Paris (2001)
Don't Look at Me So Strangely. Acoustic Guitar (2002)
Moments (2002)
The Things I Tell You (2003)
Race (2004)
By the Sea (2006)
Quarter Century (2006)
The Peak (2009)
Camagüeyan Legends (2010)
