Amaury Guttierez Dedicates Grammy to Cuba and the Ladies in White

Four exiled Cuban musicians were awarded this past Thursday November 10th during the 2011 edition of the Latin Grammys, which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The four were: Paquito D’Rivera, Lena Burke, the late and great master (and creator) of the Mambo- Israel Lopez “Cachao”- and Amaury Guttierez.  The latter, upon receiving his award, dedicated his victory to Cuba and the brave Ladies in White, in addition to sending out a clear message to the Cuban dictatorship.  Without a doubt, this was a moment of pride for Cubans everywhere, especially those who tirelessly fight day and night for a free country- a country where freedom of expression (among others) are fully respected and where musicians- like Gutierrez and so many more- can make music and be featured on the media, without censorship.

Via “SolidaridadCuba.Org”, here’s the story (my translation):

Amaury Gutiérrez Awarded Grammy and Asks for an End to the Dictatorship

The Cuban singer-songwriter Amaury Gutierrez, awarded this past Thursday during the 2011 edition of the Latin Grammys which took place in the Mandalay Bay Hotel of Las Vegas, dedicated his prize to the Ladies in White- the group of women activists who demand civil freedoms for Cuba and who are recipients of the Sajarov Award.  In addition, he shouted “down with the dictatorship” while delivering his thank-you speech.

The Cuban troubadour shared the award (it was a tie) for “Best Singer-Songwriter Album” with the Peruvian singer Gianmarco (‘Dias Nuevos’).  Guttierez was awarded for his latest album- “Intimate Sessions”.

The Cuban musician also signaled that he was dedicating the Grammy to the people of Cuba, an “enslaved people”.

In addition to Amaury, other exiled musicians- Paquito D’ Rivera, Israel Lopez Cachao (deceased), and Lena Burke- received Latin Grammys.  No Cubans currently residing on the island took prizes home this year.

 

And I leave you all with an excellent and moving song, about Cuba, by Amaury Guttierez.  It’s called “Pais” (‘Country’):

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