The renowned music group Septeto Santiaguero was compelled to cancel their scheduled Saturday night performance at their official venue, El Salón del Son in Santiago de Cuba, due to the persistent power outages plaguing the city.
In a statement released by the group, they expressed gratitude towards their fans and friends who had filled the venue to full capacity with reservations to enjoy the show. "We deeply appreciate the understanding of our followers and friends... It's wonderful to know you're committed to our music and culture," they shared in a message posted on their social media platforms.
The concert was meant to mark the band's return to their hometown following the success of their 2024 International Tour, creating high anticipation among the musicians. However, the severe power issues facing the nation prevented the event from taking place.
"Unfortunately, the current power situation did not permit the realization of this concert, our first in the city after returning from the 2024 International Tour. We will keep you updated about rescheduling through this platform and other media, as circumstances allow," the statement added.
This incident highlights the challenging situation in Santiago de Cuba, where prolonged outages, lasting up to eight hours a day, have disrupted cultural and social activities, causing frustration among the residents.
Septeto Santiaguero: A Pillar of Cuban Music
Septeto Santiaguero stands as one of the most emblematic groups of Cuban traditional music, particularly the son genre. Founded in 1995 by Fernando Dewar, the group's director and tres player, their repertoire features both original compositions and tributes to legendary Cuban musicians like Miguel Matamoros and Ñico Saquito, achieving a balance between tradition and innovation that has captivated audiences worldwide.
With tours in over 30 countries and international accolades, including Latin Grammy Awards in 2015 for the album "No quiero Llanto. Tributo a Los Compadres," and in 2018 for "A Mi Qué. Tributo a Los Clásicos Cubanos," Septeto Santiaguero has solidified its role as an ambassador of Cuban son.
Beyond their collaborations with renowned artists such as José Alberto "El Canario" and Oscar D'León, the group maintains a strong connection with their hometown, Santiago de Cuba. Their venue, El Salón del Son, is a landmark dedicated to the promotion of Cuban music and culture.