Omara Portuondo: "I wouldn't change anything in my life, but the world has to be more equitable"

One of the highlights of the In-Edit festival of musical documentaries is Omara , the feature film signed by Hugo Pérez about the legendary Cuban singer Omara Portuondo (Havana, 1930).

Thomas Osborne
Thomas Osborne
02 November 2022 Wednesday 23:49
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Omara Portuondo: "I wouldn't change anything in my life, but the world has to be more equitable"

One of the highlights of the In-Edit festival of musical documentaries is Omara , the feature film signed by Hugo Pérez about the legendary Cuban singer Omara Portuondo (Havana, 1930).

The so-called bride of the filin (Havana, 1930) will attend the Barcelona presentation of the film today, Thursday, in Room 5 of Aribau Multicines (9:00 p.m.), where she will perform some songs accompanied by a pianist.

I know it's a cliché, but what is filin for you?

It is a movement created by a group of young people, with harmonies, lyrics and interpretations full of feeling, hence its name.

How would you summarize the documentary Omara?

Well, everyone will draw their conclusions. I can only say that both the direction, the script and its production were in charge of a very professional and dedicated team, which is in charge, with great respect and affection, of showing experiences and moments of my life.

You often say that you will die on stage, but do you still enjoy it as much as when you started?

It's my way of living. I still enjoy it whenever life allows me and the promoters too. They give me the chance to be with the public, which is why I sing.

And when you go on stage, what is your main priority? Has it always been the same?

My priority has always been to give my best, enjoying my work, so that the public receives it and enjoys it too.

Of the infinite collaborations you have done, which ones do you have the best taste for?

Each collaboration has been a different experience in my career. I keep my work with María Bethania, since the recordings with her and the tour in Brazil, very fondly, but there have been many, since the fifties, together with the Cuartelo D'Aidas in Tropicana, with Nat King Cole, in that time, to the present, and now with Natalia Lafourcade, with whom I was on October 27 at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Topic change. How would you explain the Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon?

An unplanned phenomenon, which came out of nowhere. An album that became an event, then a documentary that, like the album, had great success and repercussions for our music and, with it, long periods of touring around the world.

Until that rediscovery of the Buena Vista, was something missing in your musical life?

Not me.

You are still living in Havana in the 21st century. How do you see the city and Cuba in general now compared to past times?

Cuba at the moment is in a difficult situation; times cannot be compared, societies undergo changes and changes are made by governments and their policies. What I do is sing.

Even in the midst of a boom in Latin urban rhythms. Likes?

Excellent! In life there is room for all tastes. It is a current genre very followed, especially by young people. The only thing is the very strong texts that I really don't like, but it's a great Latin urban achievement.

Is music sensual or isn't it?

Music can be sensual, it all depends on the listener and the type of music.

What would you change about these more than ninety years of life?

I wouldn't change a thing about my life. In general, that the world was more equitable, that there was not so much poverty, or wars.