Born in the neighbourhood of El Vedado in Havana (Cuba), Lucrecia Pérez Sáez was interested from a very young age in everything related to music. At only seven years of age, while she was spending her childhood in Guanabacoa, she began her music studies and graduated in piano at the Cuban Higher Art Institute and complemented this speciality with singing classes. She participated as singer and keyboard player in the Anacaona orchestra and went on a world tour, until she reached Spain. And she settled in Barcelona. In 1993, Lucrecia participated in the Havana Festival of Boleros and was one of the most outstanding artists. That same year she was finalist in the contest to select the Cuban representative of the OTI Festival.

Her Records

One year later, in 1994 she released her first record, Me debes un beso, directed and produced by herself. Her second album, Prohibido, came out in 1996, which she also directed and produced. From this the song “La noche de la iguana”, by Juan Pablo Silvestre, was used as the main theme on the soundtrack of the film Balseros, nominated for the Oscar for Best Documentary in 2004. In the same year she released her third record, Mis boleros. In 1997 Pronósticos and later Cubáname were released, and once again Lucrecia produced and musically directed her work. This album included the song “Youkali” by Kart Keill and Fernay, which was used as the main theme of the film Segunda piel, directed by Gerardo Vera and starring Ariadna Gil, Javier Bardem and Jordi Mollà. Later would come Agua, which reflected her musical and personal evolution. Motherhood has changed her view of the world, but we can also see the vocal virtuosity, fragility, joy, sensuality and strength that have always characterised her. A more elaborate style, but with the essence of Lucrecia, very present in songs such as “Mi gente”. Her latest work to date is Mira las luces, with the colourful Cuban rhythms and romantic boleros we are used to.

A Multifaceted Artist

As well as her own musical projects, Lucrecia has worked with singers of international fame, such as Chavela Vargas, Paquito D’Rivera, Albita, Chano Lobato, Manzanita, Álex Acuña, Lluís Llach or her beloved friend Celia Cruz. But her artistic career does not end in the world of song. The Cuban has participated as an actress in Ataque verbal, a film directed by Miguel Albaladejo, starring alongside Adriana Ozores, Antonia San Juan, Sergi López, Elvira Lindo and Antonio Resines, among others. But one of her most charismatic roles, especially for the very young, is her appearance in the children’s programme Los Lunnis (shown by Televisión Española). Lucrecia has participated in this TV show for some time, joining the friendly puppets to explain to Spanish boys and girls many aspects of daily life: when to go to bed, school classes, food, friendship, etc. She also finds time to be the image of organisations and events, such as the chocolate fair (held recently in Barcelona), where Lucrecia participated in several performances as a storyteller and singer.

But that’s not all. As if that was not enough, this singer, actress and presenter also has time to write. Her first, and currently only, incursion into literature was the children’s book Besitos de chocolate. Cuentos de mi infancia (El Aleph, 2006). A multifaceted artist loved by the public for her friendliness, sweetness and optimism.

Saray Garcia

Further information:

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=BvQWn0aIbzk

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=HDwkLnLI_-g

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ-_DXCVvLk&feature=related

http://www.lucreciamusic.com