Chucho Valdes Records Song for Haitian People

Havana, March 18, (RHC).-Cuban pianist and composer Chucho Valdes finished recording this Wednesday the song “Haiti Volvera” (Haiti will Return), whose copyrights he will donate for the reconstruction of that Caribbean nation which was swept away by an earthquake last January 12.

At the Ojala Studios, owned by troubadour Silvio Rodriguez, who didn’t charge for the services, Valdes told ACN news agency that he will make the contribution through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), of which he is a Goodwill Ambassador since 2006.

Six-time Grammy Award winner and worldwide acknowledged as one of the best jazz pianists, Valdes said his love and admiration for the Haitian people dates as far back as the 1950´s, when his father worked for a long season in that country.

The Cuban pianist hopes many artists and performers follow his example to so contribute to alleviate the enormous tragedy that the sister Caribbean nation suffered.

Meanwhile, he will start a tour today that will include presentations in Malaysia and the UK. Marcia Porto, FAO representative in Cuba, said that simultaneously with this recording, the spring campaign “Fruit Trees for Haiti” will start, which will benefit 100 000 families on its first stage with seeds, tools and fertilizers.