Guitar BCN 2026: Septeto Santiaguero

The Septeto Santiaguero was founded in Santiago de Cuba in 1995 under the direction of Fernando Dewar. Its origins are closely linked to the group Melodías de Ayer, together with young musicians from ensembles such as Sones de Oriente and Septeto Luz.

Featuring members who blend virtuosity, tradition, and energy, their music pays tribute to the foundational genres of Cuba’s rich heritage — son, guaracha, bolero, changüí, and bolero-son — reinterpreting classics while embracing contemporary compositions.

The group’s mission — according to Dewar and other members — has been to keep traditional Cuban music alive, yet fresh, so that it continues to resonate across generations. “We make traditional music for dancers and for young people… it’s the only way to make it endure,” they often say in interviews.

They have maintained a balance between historical authenticity and modern arrangements. Their role goes beyond entertainment: it is one of preservation, reinterpretation, and the international promotion of a living cultural heritage.