"Performing with Buena Vista Social Club on their Australian tour
has been one of my most memorable achievements"
We believe in helping each other and our neighbours, friends, community etc. We were brought up to care about others and share what we had. My mother was always concerned about our neighbours and their needs, and my father believed in and fought for a better, fairer and equalitarian world.
What are your first impressions of Australia? I was impressed and mesmerized by Australia when I arrived. It had a growing economy, workers had rights, and it seemed like paradise. However, I soon realized that it had many colonial flaws. Aboriginal people were mistreated and condemned to poverty and illiteracy.
At what age did you begin to sing? I always sang. I come from a musical family. Our family tree is full of musicians. We sang and played music at every family gathering.
Where was the first time you performed? The first time I performed was in Uruguay with the advent of Democracy in 1985. We sang a beautiful song from the famous Cuban composer Silvio Rodriguez called "Vamos a Andar". The theme reinforces the importance of unity and all working together for a common goal.
Where have you performed? I have performed in different venues around Sydney, like the Opera House, Camelot, Butchers Brew, The Basement, The Hilton Hotel, Rincon Latino, Uruguayan Club, and Serbian Club to name a few.
What has been your most outstanding achievement as a performer? My most outstanding achievement was performing with "Buena Vista Social Club" on their Australian tour in 2000.