rebels against the rebels Nueva Trova rebels against the rebels

Origins Cuban “Nueva Trova” is a movement of socially conscious music that emerged in the mid-sixties continuing through to the nineties Cuba has a long tradition of protest music going back to the Teatro Vernaculo of the mid-1800’s. “Nueva Trova” was influenced by both Cuban musical movements (Trova, filin) and foreign movements including Chilean/Argentine “Nueva Cancion” and American and British Rock and Roll

Both Nueva and Traditional Trova distinguished itself from other types of Cuban and Caribbean music by its focus on lyricism, (text and emotion) rather than dance. Nueva Trova artists, unlike their Trova predecessors, were well educated and benefited from the reforms of the Revolution. For this reason, Nueva Trova tends to be “cosmopolitan” in its sound, integrating music from across genres and cultures. Lyrical content also tend to be heavily influenced by poetry and literature (Marti, Nicolas Guillen, Pablo Neruda, Cesar Vallejo)

Nueva Trova and the Revolution The Regime’s changing views on youth and its movement to a more rigorous Communist dogmatism in the mid-sixties marginalized Nueva Trova artists. NT artists “tested boundaries” both in their dress and music, adopting “hippie styles”, busking, and writing songs critical of the Revolution’s attitudes towards youth and outsiders. Their music also incorporated influences from American rock and roll which the Revolution strongly opposed.

Young musicians took a “loyal opposition” stance to the Revolution, supporting its goals and philosophy while criticizing its actions. From 1968 to about 1972 Nueva Trova artists faced media scrutiny, censorship and at times imprisonment. Pablo Milanes, one of the most famous figures of the movement was imprisoned in an UMAP between 1965 and 1966, under suspicion of homosexuality. Silvio Rodriguez, meanwhile was fired by the organization he was working for in 1969 and was forced (either by circumstances or as punishment) to work on a fishing boat for a year.

Haydee Santamaria One of the most important figures in the Cuban Revolution, especially with regards to culture. Had fought along with Fidel at the Moncada assault in 1953. Arrested and tortured by Batista forces. Both her brother Abel and her boyfriend were tortured and executed for their role in the assault. Also fought with Fidel in the Sierra Maestra. Founded and headed the Casa de las Americas in 1967. Encouraged artists and poets from the Americas to visit Cuba and provided a haven for Nueva Trova singers.

The seventies The regime’s view of Nueva Trova began to change in the Seventies: Castro threw his support behind the Allende government in Chile and invited Chilean musicians to Cuba to perform (Victor Jara and Inti-Illimani) ICAIC, (Instituto cubano de arte e industria cinematografica) an organization primarily dedicated to Cuban Cinema, formed a subgroup called the GES (groupo de experimentacion sonica) in order to give Trova musicians work. The Communist party began inviting Trova musicians to represent Cuba abroad. By 1973 Trova had become government established, the unofficial representative of the Cuban Revolution abroad.

Silvio Rodriguez One of the most internationally known members of the Nueva Trova movement along with Pablo Milanes. Grew up in rural family in San Antonio de los Banos, later moved to Havana. Took an interest in music from his mother and grandmother. Took piano lessons at the Conservatory in Havana for a time. Also picked up an interest in literature there. Was 13 years old when the Revolution ousted Batista. Eventually joined the AJR Is well known particularly as a lyricist. Lyrics tend to combine surrealistic imagery and emotional or introspective themes.

Pablo Milanes Born in 1943, Studied music at the Municipal Conservatory of Havana. His early music drew heavily on “Filin”, a romantic ballad genre popular in the 1940’s. Gained public acclaim through his compositions and performances with Los Bucaneros in the mid sixties. Met Silvio Rodriguez though his involvement with Casa de las Americas, specifically the festival Primer Encuentro Internacional de la Cancion de Protesta, sponsored by Haydee Santamaria. Brought the influences of Afro-Cuban folk music (son, rhumba) into Trova

Pedro Luis Ferrer Associated with both Nueva Trova (1970’s) and Novisima trova (1980’s) Ferrer wrote some of the most anti-authoritarian music in Cuba. Was often censored by the Revolutionary government. Unable to perform concerts in Cuba at various junctures in his career. Songs became popular in the underground Is frequently contrasted with the “Establishment Trovadores” (Milanes and Rodriguez) who eventually became officialized by the Revolution. Ferrer remained anti- establishment throughout his career.

Carlos Varela One of the most famous members of “Novisima Trova”, the movement that grew out of Nueva Trova in the 1980’s but rejected the latter’s mainstream status. Had difficulty recording and performing music in Cuba and was forced to find workarounds, taking acting classes and incorporating music into them. Was eventually discovered and helped by Silvio Rodriguez and taken to Spain where he was able to record his first album “Jalisco Park” His style takes a lot from Rodriguez, including introspective lyrics which often criticize the older generation’s disregard for the young. Some of his songs have been featured in Hollywood movies such as 2004 “Man on Fire”. In 2009 he travelled to Washington in order to try and sway US policy changes on Cuba.