The Sounds Of Cuba, In Exile And At Home

Cuba is back in the news this week with the death of Fidel Castro, the leader of the island nation's government for almost 60 years. All eyes have been on southern Florida as the Cuban-American community there celebrates closure for a disruption to their lives that started after Castro took power in 1959.

However, the fact that Castro was also heralded on the island and in other parts of the world illustrates a divide that dominates not only Cuba's politics, but also its music.

This week, Beat Latino's Catalina Maria Johnson joins Alt.Latino to help us take a closer listen to both musicians who stayed in Cuba and those who left — and how both realities, residency versus exile, are reflected in their music.

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1 of 6  — Various Artists, Cuba Va!: Songs of the New Generation of Revolutionary Cuba

Various Artists, Cuba Va!: Songs of the New Generation of Revolutionary Cuba

/ Courtesy of the artist

2 of 6  — Celia Cruz, Celia Cruz Eterna

Celia Cruz, Celia Cruz Eterna

/ Courtesy of the artist

3 of 6  — Los Van Van, Llego...Van Van

Los Van Van, Llego...Van Van

/ Courtesy of the artist

4 of 6  — Irakere, Cuba Libre

Irakere, Cuba Libre

/ Courtesy of the artist

5 of 6  — Willy Chirino, Cuba Libre

Willy Chirino, Cuba Libre

/ Courtesy of the artist

6 of 6  — Orishas, A Lo Cubano

Orishas, A Lo Cubano

/ Courtesy of the artist