Merceditas Valdés: A song to Afro-Cuban Traditions and Spirituality

Un canto a la espiritualidad y Tradiciones Afrocubanas

Abstract

Abstract: Tour of the life and work of the Cuban singer Merceditas Valdés, mediator between Yoruba culture and Afro-Cuban music in commemoration of the centenary of her death. Through the analysis of documents, archives and written sources related to the artist and an exclusive interview with Agustín Montano Lis, a musician close to Merceditas, exploring the impact of her influence on Cuban music and religious syncretism. His testimony provides an intimate look. Being the African culture and the Yoruba deities fundamental to the history and culture of the island and the main theme in their music, endowing it with spirituality. His ability to fuse Yoruba musical styles made him international in scope. The ritual performances in which she participated made her a promoter of Afro-Cuban culture, and whose legacy has marked Cuban musical and cultural history.