Cuba marked its participation in the Intervision 2025 contest by selecting Zulema Iglesias Salazar, a talented vocalist and instrumentalist whose entry was framed as a direct expression of the island nation’s rich musical and cultural heritage.
The Road to Intervision: A Heritage of Classical and Popular Music
Zulema Iglesias Salazar's selection was an internal decision made by the MINCULT (Ministry of Culture), which appointed her to represent Cuba on the international stage. Her professional history positioned her as an ideal cultural ambassador:
Zulema is a professional singer and instrumentalist with extensive stage experience and a solid background in both classical and popular Cuban musical traditions. Her talent was recognized earlier in the year when her album earned a nomination for the prestigious Cubadisco 2024 award, one of Cuba's most important music industry accolades. This demonstrated her high standing within the national arts scene at the time of her selection. Her nomination was designed to leverage her ability to combine Latin American passion with the refined precision of her training, ensuring Cuba's submission would be both authentic and technically proficient.
Zulema's nomination highlights the central role of the Ministry of Culture in promoting Cuban artists globally, viewing Intervision as a key platform to showcase the island's unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary talent.
The Contest Performance and Theme
Zulema Iglesias Salazar competed with the original song "Guaguancó," a piece she authored herself.
Guaguancó is a highly energetic and complex subgenre of Afro-Cuban rumba, characterized by its distinctive rhythmic structure and dance. By choosing this song, Zulema highlighted the authentic roots of Cuban music, fusing traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms with elements of jazz improvisation to create a powerful, modern sound. Her entry, which opened the final show, was intended to set a high bar for cultural authenticity and electrifying energy.
Contest Result
Zulema Iglesias Salazar finished in the middle of the pack in the highly competitive final, demonstrating Cuba's strong initial presence in the revived contest (11th Place).
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