Cuba boasts a rich musical tradition, and its female singers have played an essential role in shaping the country’s diverse sound.
From the legendary Celia Cruz, whose dynamic voice popularized salsa worldwide, to Omara Portuondo, whose work with the Buena Vista Social Club brought Cuban music to a global audience, these artists have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Modern talents like Daymé Arocena blend jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms, while Gloria Estefan’s crossover success brought Cuban pop to the mainstream.
Each of these 19 singers has a unique story, reflecting Cuba’s vibrant culture and musical heritage.
They have achieved fame for their powerful voices, captivating performances, and ability to innovate and preserve Cuban musical traditions.
This article highlights their careers, major hits, and contributions, celebrating their lasting impact on Cuban and global music scenes.
List of Female Cuban Singers
1. Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz, known as the “Queen of Salsa,” is among the most iconic Cuban singers.
Her powerful voice and energetic performances made her a legend in Latin music.
Cruz’s career spanned over five decades, during which she popularized salsa music worldwide with hits like “La Vida Es un Carnaval” and “Quimbara.”
Her vibrant stage presence and distinctive style made her a beloved figure.
Celia Cruz received numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards, and her influence continues to be felt in the music industry today.
- Famous songs: “La Vida Es un Carnaval,” “Quimbara,” “Bemba Colorá”
- Awards: 3 Grammy Awards, 4 Latin Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1948–2003
2. Omara Portuondo
Omara Portuondo is a renowned Cuban singer and Buena Vista Social Club member.
Her career began in the 1950s, and she has since become an ambassador of Cuban music.
Known for her smooth voice and emotional delivery, Omara has performed a wide range of genres, including bolero, son, and jazz.
She has received international acclaim and numerous awards for her contributions to music.
Portuondo’s work with the Buena Vista Social Club helped introduce Cuban music to a global audience, making her a significant figure in the industry.
- Famous songs: “Veinte Años,” “Dos Gardenias,” “¿Y Tú Qué Has Hecho?”
- Awards: Latin Grammy Award
- Years Active: 1950–present
3. La Lupe
La Lupe, also known as “La Yiyiyi,” was a Cuban singer famous for her passionate performances and unique voice.
She rose to prominence in the 1960s with her interpretations of boleros, guarachas, and Latin soul.
Known for her theatrical stage presence, La Lupe captivated audiences with her emotional intensity.
Despite facing numerous challenges in her career, she left a lasting impact on Latin music.
Her songs remain popular, and she is remembered as one of the most dynamic performers of her time.
- Famous songs: “Puro Teatro,” “Que Te Pedi,” “La Tirana”
- Awards: Various posthumous recognitions
- Years Active: 1950s–1980s
4. Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan is a Cuban-American singer who gained fame as the lead vocalist of Miami Sound Machine.
She succeeded internationally with hits like “Conga” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.”
Known for her powerful voice and crossover appeal, Gloria has won multiple Grammy Awards and sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Her music blends pop, Latin, and dance influences, making her one of the most successful Latin artists ever.
Estefan’s contributions to music have earned her numerous accolades and a lasting legacy.
- Famous songs: “Conga,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Don’t Wanna Lose You”
- Awards: 7 Grammy Awards, Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Years Active: 1975–present
5. Albita Rodríguez
Albita Rodríguez is a Cuban singer known for her traditional Cuban music and contemporary interpretations.
She began her career in Havana, performing in clubs and festivals before moving to the United States in the 1990s.
Albita’s powerful voice and charismatic stage presence have earned her international acclaim.
She has received several Grammy nominations and continues to perform worldwide, promoting Cuban music.
Albita’s dedication to her roots and innovative approach has made her a respected figure in the Latin music scene.
- Famous songs: “Que Manera de Quererte,” “Habanera,” “Fiesta Pa’los Rumberos”
- Awards: Grammy nominations, Emmy Award
- Years Active: 1980s–present
6. Xiomara Laugart
Xiomara Laugart is a celebrated Cuban singer, known for her versatile voice and expressive performances.
She started her career in the 1980s, blending traditional Cuban music with contemporary styles.
Xiomara gained international recognition as the lead singer of the Afro-Cuban band Yerba Buena.
Her powerful voice and emotional delivery have earned her a loyal fan base.
Laugart’s contributions to Cuban music have been significant, and she continues to perform and record, bringing the rich sounds of Cuba to audiences worldwide.
- Famous songs: “La Negra Tomasa,” “Besame Mucho,” “Rie y Llora”
- Awards: Various international recognitions
- Years Active: 1980s–present
7. Daymé Arocena
Daymé Arocena is a young Cuban singer and composer known for her fusion of jazz, soul, and Afro-Cuban rhythms.
She began singing in church choirs and quickly rose to prominence with her unique sound and powerful voice.
Arocena has released several critically acclaimed albums and performed at major festivals worldwide.
Her music celebrates Cuban culture and traditions while incorporating modern influences.
Daymé’s talent and innovation have made her a rising star in the global music scene.
- Famous songs: “Mambo Na’ Ma,” “Don’t Unplug My Body,” “Eleggua”
- Awards: Various international recognitions
- Years Active: 2010s–present
8. Haydée Milanés
Haydée Milanés, the daughter of legendary Cuban singer Pablo Milanés, has made a name for herself with her soft, melodic voice and emotional depth.
She started her career in the early 2000s, blending traditional Cuban music with contemporary influences.
Haydée’s work often pays tribute to her father’s legacy while showcasing her unique style.
Her albums have been well-received, and she remains a prominent figure in Cuban music.
- Famous songs: “Amor,” “Palabras,” “Mujer”
- Awards: Various Cuban music awards
- Years Active: 2000s–present
9. Danay Suárez
Danay Suárez is a Cuban singer and rapper known for her thoughtful lyrics and genre-blending music.
She started her career in the Cuban underground music scene and quickly gained recognition for her talent.
Danay’s music combines elements of hip-hop, jazz, reggae, and traditional Cuban rhythms.
Her critically acclaimed album Palabras Manuales brought her international attention.
Suárez’s reflective and socially conscious songs have made her a distinctive voice in contemporary Cuban music.
- Famous songs: “Yo Aprendí,” “Flores,” “La Razon de Vivir”
- Awards: Various international recognitions
- Years Active: 2000s–present
10. Aymée Nuviola
Aymée Nuviola, known as “La Sonera del Mundo,” is a Cuban singer famous for her salsa and timba music.
She began her career in Havana, performing with various bands before moving to Miami.
Aymée has released several successful albums and collaborated with renowned artists.
Her vibrant voice and energetic performances have earned her a loyal following.
Nuviola won a Latin Grammy for Best Tropical Fusion Album, solidifying her place in the Latin music world.
- Famous songs: “Bailando Todo Se Olvida,” “Donde Estabas Anoche,” “El Ratico”
- Awards: Latin Grammy Award
- Years Active: 1990s–present
11. Lisette Oropesa
Lisette Oropesa is a Cuban-American soprano known for her impressive operatic performances.
She started her career as a member of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program and quickly rose to prominence.
Lisette has performed leading roles at major opera houses worldwide, including La Scala, Covent Garden, and the Vienna State Opera.
Her voice, technique, and stage presence have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards.
- Famous roles: Susanna in “The Marriage of Figaro,” Gilda in “Rigoletto,” Lucia in “Lucia di Lammermoor”
- Awards: Richard Tucker Award, Beverly Sills Artist Award
- Years Active: 2005–present
12. Tania León
Tania León is a Cuban-American composer and conductor known for her innovative compositions and dedication to promoting new music.
She started her career as a pianist and later transitioned to composing and conducting.
Tania’s music blends classical, jazz, and Afro-Cuban elements, creating a unique and contemporary sound.
She has received numerous commissions, and major orchestras have performed her works worldwide.
- Famous works: “Horizons,” “Indígena,” “Stride”
- Awards: Pulitzer Prize in Music, Guggenheim Fellowship
- Years Active: 1960s–present
13. Beatriz Márquez
Beatriz Márquez, often called “La Musicalísima,” is a celebrated Cuban singer and composer.
She began her career in the 1960s and became known for her beautiful voice and passionate performances.
Beatriz’s repertoire includes boleros, son, and nueva trova.
Her dedication to Cuban music has earned her numerous awards and recognition as one of Cuba’s finest singers.
- Famous songs: “De Mis Recuerdos,” “Hoy Mi Habana,” “Quédate Conmigo”
- Awards: National Music Award (Cuba), Various Cuban music awards
- Years Active: 1960s–present
14. Anaís Abreu
Anaís Abreu is a Cuban singer known for her interpretations of traditional Cuban music, including boleros and son.
She started her career in the 1980s and has become a respected figure in the Cuban music scene.
Anaís’s rich voice and heartfelt performances have earned her a loyal following. She continues to perform and record, preserving the essence of Cuban musical traditions.
- Famous songs: “Si Me Comprendieras,” “Y Tú Qué Has Hecho,” “Mis Sentimientos”
- Awards: Various Cuban music awards
- Years Active: 1980s–present
15. CuCu Diamantes
CuCu Diamantes is a Cuban singer, songwriter, and actress known for her eclectic musical style.
She co-founded the Grammy-nominated band Yerba Buena, which blends Latin, funk, and urban music.
CuCu’s solo career has also been successful, with her debut album “Cuculand” receiving critical acclaim.
Her vibrant stage presence and unique voice have made her a standout performer in the Latin music scene.
- Famous songs: “Mas Fuerte,” “Todo por Igual,” “El Tigre”
- Awards: Grammy nominations (with Yerba Buena)
- Years Active: 2000s–present
16. Lucrecia
Lucrecia is a Cuban singer and actress known for her versatile voice and dynamic performances.
She started her career in Havana before moving to Spain, where she gained further recognition.
Lucrecia’s music spans various genres, including son, bolero, and salsa.
She has released several successful albums and appeared in numerous television and film projects, showcasing her talent as a singer and actress.
- Famous songs: “Mi Gente,” “Eres Tú,” “Agua”
- Awards: Various international recognitions
- Years Active: 1980s–present
17. Haila Mompié
Haila Mompié, “La Diva del Son,” is a Cuban singer famous for her salsa and son music.
She began her career with the group Bamboleo before launching a successful solo career.
Haila’s powerful voice and captivating stage presence have earned her a dedicated fan base.
She has released several albums and remains a prominent figure in Cuban music.
- Famous songs: “Acariciame,” “Que Te Vaya Bien,” “Rica y Apretadita”
- Awards: Latin Grammy nominations, Various Cuban music awards
- Years Active: 1990s–present
18. Diana Fuentes
Diana Fuentes is a Cuban singer and songwriter known for her soulful voice and contemporary pop music.
She began her career as a backup singer for the popular band Síntesis before launching her solo career.
Diana’s music blends pop, R&B, and Cuban rhythms, creating a unique and modern sound.
She has released several successful albums and collaborated with renowned artists, earning her recognition in the Latin music scene.
- Famous songs: “La Fortuna,” “Te Toqué Sin Querer,” “De Oriente a Occidente”
- Awards: Various Cuban music awards
- Years Active: 2000s–present
19. Laritza Bacallao
Laritza Bacallao is a Cuban pop and salsa singer known for her energetic performances and powerful voice.
She started her career in music at a young age, coming from a family of musicians.
Laritza gained fame with hits like “Carnaval” and “Que Suenen los Tambores.”
Her dynamic stage presence and ability to blend traditional Cuban rhythms with modern sounds have made her a popular figure in Latin music.
- Famous songs: “Carnaval,” “Que Suenen los Tambores,” “La Vida Es Un Carnaval”
- Awards: Various Cuban music awards
- Years Active: 2000s–present
Final Thoughts
From Celia Cruz’s legendary salsa to Gloria Estefan’s mainstream pop success, these artists have introduced the world to Cuba’s diverse sounds and rhythms.
Singers like Omara Portuondo and Daymé Arocena have preserved and innovated within traditional Cuban music, making it relevant today.
Modern stars like Karol G and Danay Suárez have blended contemporary genres with Cuban roots, making music highly versatile.
Each of these singers has achieved personal success and played a vital role in promoting and preserving Cuban culture through their music.
Their contributions have left a legacy, inspiring future generations and solidifying Cuba’s place in the global music landscape.
