The well-known Cuban singer Liuba María Hevia recently announced on her social media platforms that she is in the process of creating a documentary titled "My Grandfather Hevia." This deeply personal project is her way of paying tribute to her Asturian heritage.
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Hevia shared her excitement about visiting Alvariza in Belmonte de Miranda, Oviedo, Asturias—the birthplace of her grandfather. He lived there until he was 20 years old. During her journey, she described the emotional experience of seeing her grandfather's parents' home, now in ruins, with only one wall still standing. "I can't stop hugging it, imagining its scent, his laughter, his years as a child, teenager, young man," she wrote nostalgically.
The singer also recounted reconnecting with relatives and cherishing moments filled with love and laughter. These experiences and the memories they evoke form the foundation of the documentary. It will feature contributions from significant figures in her life, such as Misuko Ygm, Mayda Bustamante, and her brother, Pepe Hevia. Pepe will play a crucial role, handling editing and art direction, as noted by Hevia.
A Project Steeped in Family Legacy
Hevia emphasized the importance of her family's name in the local community, stating, "Saying Hevia in this village is always a call to brotherhood." The project's final filming phase is scheduled for December, with Liuba María Hevia being joined by Mayda and Pepe. This segment promises to be particularly meaningful, given the emotional involvement of her brother, as both are grandchildren of Ángel "Eloi" Hevia, a man whose name stirs memories and emotions among the villagers.
This documentary is not Hevia's first tribute to her grandfather and her Asturian roots. One of her most beautiful songs dedicated to emigrants, "Con los hilos de la luna," popularly known as "El abuelo," is included in her album "Puertas" (2010). It was inspired by her Asturian grandfather, whom she described as "her first school."
Liuba's Commitment Amidst Cuba's Challenges
The announcement of the documentary is among Hevia's latest posts following her decision to temporarily leave social media until electricity is restored in Cuba after a collapse of the National Electrical System. In an Instagram post accompanied by an aerial image of Cuba shrouded in darkness, she expressed, "I won't return to social media until, at the very least, the lights are back on in my country. Much of what I share on my platforms is primarily intended for the Cuban people, with whom my heart always resides."