Born in the “land of fire” of Santiago de Cuba, Gretell Sanabia Rodríguez discovered very early on that music would be an inseparable path in her life. At just five years old, she took to the stage for the first time, during the Cantándole al Sol Children’s Music Festival, and since then her voice has found venues and audiences both on the island and abroad.
With a degree in Literature from the university in her hometown, Gretell never abandoned music and performed there as a soloist. But the birth of her daughter marked a turning point in her life, both personally and professionally, and the search for a better future led her to travel with her family to Peru. The South American country opened its doors to her and, in 2022, her participation in the singing competition La Voz catapulted her career.
Today, Gretell — “the Cuban,” as she’s since become known — is one of the vocalists of the all-female salsa band Son Tentación. She has traveled the world, reaping the rewards of her passion for music and never forgets where she comes from or where she’s going.
At what point did you get into music and decide it was the career path you wanted to pursue?
From a young age, my parents recognized my talent for singing. I don’t come from a family of professional musicians, but music and my love for it were always there. I participated in my first festival, Cantándole al Sol, at age five: I was the youngest contestant at the event. From that moment on, I developed my singing empirically, participating in children’s companies, festivals and various musical formats as I grew up.
What do you remember from your years as an artist in Cuba?
I have fond and sad memories, like every human being, but I prefer to highlight the ones that were good for me, because it’s thanks to the support I received from the positive that I got to where I am. From my time in Cuba, I fondly remember the Variedades Arcoíris Company, where I spent almost my entire childhood and adolescence. There I was a singer, dancer, actress and host. The Cantándole al Sol festivals were also a great gateway to gaining musical experiences.
At 11 years old, I won awards for best performance, best orchestration and best composition for the song “Música,” achievements I proudly took back to my province of Santiago. During my studies, I always pursued singing alongside my studies: from high school to university, I remained active in amateur festivals and of other categories.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Literature from the Universidad de Oriente, I decided to pursue a career in singing and was endorsed by the National Music Center to join the all-female group Vocal Divas.
How did you cope with motherhood amidst the whirlwind of music?
It was a very difficult time, as I graduated with my daughter in my arms. I put music on hold for a while to dedicate myself to her completely, and when the opportunity arose, I returned to music. I have always had the constant and unconditional support of my husband and family, which has helped me — and continues to help me — strengthen myself and fulfill my dreams.
When and why did you decide to emigrate to Peru?
In 2020, my husband and I decided to leave Cuba due to the critical situation the country was going through. I wanted to seek new and better horizons where we could live with dignity and provide a better future for our daughter. The final destination was Peru, because we had friends and family there who welcomed us and helped us settle.
What events or thoughts, positive or not, have marked your journey as a migrant artist?
I was always afraid of not fitting in, of not knowing how to adapt to a new way of life. However, over time, I realized that believing in myself and persevering were the keys to achieving what I wanted, regardless of the adversities. I remember that, upon arriving, I started knocking on doors; they paid me less than the average salary and I still returned home happy, grateful for another day doing what I love.
La Voz 2022 marked a crucial step in your singing career outside of Cuba. How did you enter the competition?
In 2022, I saw the show’s announcement and was thrilled. The application process consisted of recording a one-minute video introducing myself and singing a fragment of a song. I remember performing “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. A few days later, I was notified that I had been selected from among thousands of participants, and my heart didn’t fit in my chest. From that moment on, I went through a screening process until I reached the big audition, which I successfully passed.
On La Voz Perú, you demonstrated great vocal versatility. What did you learn about yourself during that television experience?
I confirmed that I can accomplish whatever I set out to do, without expectations, but with intention, purpose and, above all, with faith. I learned that limits are mental and that, even though I’m a foreigner here, authenticity is my best calling card.
Did you ever feel like you could win the contest? How did you live that experience?
My intention, more than winning, was to take advantage of that international platform to make myself known and reach more people. When my audition went viral, I never imagined I would receive so much love and support from Cubans around the world, and from people of other nationalities who expressed their respect and admiration. It has been one of the best experiences of my life, a dream come true. La Voz Perú was definitely a turning point in my career.
Three years after participating in La Voz Perú, how far have you come in your artistic career?
I feel blessed to continue growing and celebrating every step in this complex and wonderful career. I’ve made so much progress; I continue to expand my musical horizons and I’m happy and grateful for that.
What have been the biggest changes you’ve experienced since then?
When I left La Voz Perú, Paula Arias, director of Peru’s first salsa and timba orchestra, contacted me through social media to invite me to join the new front line. Son Tentación is considered the university of female salsa in Peru, and for me it was an honor to be considered. I didn’t think twice: it was an opportunity I wasn’t going to pass up. Personally, it meant moving to another province and reorganizing my life, but it was worth it.
Where did the recognition of “The Cuban with the fiery voice” come from?
During the program La Voz, I read many comments in which they called me “the voice of fire” for my vocal projection and interpretive character. My stage style has always been very temperamental. Then, when I joined Son Tentación, each of my colleagues had a pseudonym, and the director asked me which one I wanted to perform under. I’ve never used stage names, but I liked the idea of combining my nationality with the nickname my fans had given me. This is how “The Cuban with the Voice of Fire” came about.
What does it mean to be part of Son Tentación?
It’s much more than being in an orchestra: it’s a true school. We are five women with different personalities and styles, but with the same desire to represent feminine strength in salsa, with dedication and passion. Son Tentación came into my life at the right time, and every day is an opportunity to connect with the audience from the depths of my heart.
Have you considered pursuing a solo career?
I haven’t ruled out the possibility, but right now I’m enjoying the present. I feel that everything in life has a purpose and that the timing of God and the universe is perfect. When that moment arrives, I will embrace it with love and give 100%, as with every endeavor I undertake.
How do you balance your time between professional and personal life?
The life of an artist is difficult and demanding; my schedule is reversed: when most people are sleeping or having fun, I’m working, and during the day I try to rest. The best way to balance my time outside of work is by spending time with my family, which is my priority. I’m a homebody and I take advantage of every moment to spend time with the people I love.
Would you return to Cuba if you had the opportunity to give a concert or show?
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to sing in Cuba. That is and will continue to be my homeland. If the opportunity arises in the future, let it be in a free Cuba.
How do you envision your career in the next five years?
I see myself taking what identifies me to the entire world.
