Called as the Queen of Salsa, Cilia Cruz, born on
1925, in Havana, Cuba was a figure whose
music reflects the diversity in the Afro-Latino
community, respect, strong Will and
acknowledgement. Her career continues to be
remarkable not only because of her talent, but
because of her opposition to racism and sexism
in the industry. She was influenced by Afro-
Cubano santería rythym. Her family was very
poor and report having shared their home with
up to fourteen other family members at a time.
When they couldn’t pay the rent.
Although she went on to become one of the
most accomplished female musicians and Latina
artists of all time, her journey was a challenge
because in the 1950s, the white male music
world was not welcoming female singers. She
really defended the women role of that time
because she never bendED to no one. Not even
to Fidel Castro. In a concert she sang all the
songs without saying a word not even saying
hello and Fidel was there. And then the artistic
director told her, 'Cilia, what a pity I can't pay
you today, because you've been the only one
who hasn't bowed to the commander.' She said
'If I have to cut myself down rebajar to have
money, I'd rather not have it.'. Also, in a party
of powerful businessman, Castro arrived.
The leader claimed he used to sing
“Burundanga” every time he cleaned his
rifle. He told their men to find Cilia because
he wanted to meet her. Cilia recounted that
he "had to come over” she said "I was hired
to stand by the piano. If you want, let him
come." It wasn't. After that moment, Fidel’s
subordinates looked for her insistent to sing
in political activities. She never accepted.
Other time, she told the public in a concert
not to follow Castro if they wanted to have
freedom. She said she would come back until
Castro was not the leader. Castro thought it
was unbelievable that one of his country's
most popular artists had made such a public
statement against his regÍME, and vowed
that none would ever be granted their entry
into Cuba again. In 1959 the band tried to get
on but it was impossible. Those months
following the entry of the bearded people like
“los barbados” like she called them, into Havana
were of terrible anguish. The reGÍME seized all
companies, all businesses, all radio stations and
television. The situation became a mess. The
reGÍME didn't care about freedom of artistic
expression. Sonora Matancera’s band had no
option than looking for concerts in other
countries. While the band was in Mexico on the
first international tour in 1959, communists
gained control of Cuba. The band opted to
continue their travels to the United States
rather than heading home and two years later,
Cilia became a U.S. citizen. In retaliation, Fidel
Castro banished her from ever returning to
Cuba.  She tried to return when her mother
died of brain cancer in 1962, but was unable
due to the government ban. Ollita, like she
called her mother was so sick that she no
longer get out of bed. Fidel and his
government never forgave her. She was
punished for leaving Cuba. Celia died of
brain cancer in July 16, 2003