We are Buena Fe

Among the latest generation of bands from the Nueva Trova, a movement mainly promoting ballads, there is a pair of youngsters, outstanding not only for their musical arrangements and lyrics but also for their massive following who learn their songs by heart and anxiously await new releases.

Buena Fe, a duo started in 1998 by Israel Rojas and Yoel Martinez, both from Cuba’s easternmost province of Guantanamo, offers timely songs, varied and sharp, appealing to an ever growing and loyal following.

First playing together at local festivals in Guantanamo, Buena Fe (Spanish for Good Faith) soon caught the attention of the national record label, Egrem, which invited them to Havana to record "Dejame Entrar," and they have never stopped climbing the heights of Cuban popularity. Named best pop act for several years running, they have released four other CDs – "Arsenal" in 2003, 2004's "Corazonero," "Presagios" in 2006 and "Catalejo" in 2008.

I know lots of musicians whose lyrics constitute a barrier in their communication with the audience. This is not your case. Why? "We would need to ask the audience. We always say we are interested in reaching as many people as possible. That is fundamental for us. There are many ways to reach...