Doctor of Letters, honoris causa
Singer-songwriter
Living in Smithers, B.C. with his wife and three kids, Alex Cuba, a Cuban-Canadian Grammy/Latin Grammy and Juno-winning singer-songwriter/producer embodies a musical vision unbounded by tradition.
Immersed in music from an early age through his father, Alex pursued studies in electric and upright bass, and has toured and recorded globally. His sound is a fusion of traditional and global influences, crafting emotive melodies and lyrics that combine folk, rock, pop, and funk in Spanish and English.
As a highly respected international artist, Alex garnered numerous awards and accolades from the music industry, particularly with the release of Mendó (2021). His collaborations span a wide spectrum, from Ron Sexsmith and Nelly Furtado to Latin American artists like Leonel Garcia and Lila Downs.
Among his awards are two Junos, a BMI award, and four Latin Grammys, including Best New Artist. With his vibrant performances with Grammy winner Lila Downs and world-renowned flamenco artist Antonio Carmona, Alex’s eighth studio album Mendó earned him his first Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album in 2022, marking a tremendous accomplishment for an independent artist.
Alex Cuba shares a long history with CapU. In 2001, the BlueShore at CapU presented his Vancouver debut as a solo artist as part of its inaugural North Shore Jazz Series in partnership with the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. It is with immense pride that the University has witnessed Alex's evolution as an artist, with all his recognition over the years.
Alex Cuba’s musical journey reflects an ongoing exploration of Cuban roots intertwined with global influences, a testament to his boundless creativity and dedication to crafting fresh, soulful compositions.