Gerardo Alfonso is a Cuban singer-songwriter, born in Havana on November 1, 1958.
Always accompanied by his guitar, this musician, a representative of Nueva Trova since the 1980s, never pursued formal music studies. Everything he knows and creates comes from his innate abilities and what he has learned on his own. He is the creator of the genres guayasón and ochanga, incorporating melodic elements from rural and Afro-Cuban music. Brazilian music, as well as a blend of rock and reggae, can also be sensed as influences in his works, which are enriched with 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 served as the theme for a well-known program on Cuban television but also as a love song for 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 in 1997, became an anthem for demonstrations. The musician has always made his supportive stance toward the Cuban regime clear, stating that he has a "political commitment" and 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," referencing 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 Like Yesterday (1991), The Laughter of Ochún (1995), and Heat (1996).
He has performed in several countries, including 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 aspect as a communicator, teacher in art schools and educational institutes, and cultural promoter.
His albums have been awarded multiple times at Cubadisco, and his artistic career is recognized and celebrated, 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. With a Clean Guitar (1999)
Recount (2000)
The Illustrated Knight of Paris (2001)
Don't Look at Me So Strangely. With a Clean Guitar (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)
