Descemer Bueno
Biography
Descemer Bueno, born on July 5, 1971, in Havana, Cuba, is a multifaceted musician, singer, songwriter, and producer. His musical journey began with studying classical guitar at the Manuel Saumell and Amadeo Roldán conservatories in Havana. Early in his professional career, he played bass for the renowned Cuban troubadour Santiago Feliú. In 1990, Bueno co-founded the jazz group "Estado de Ánimo" with guitarist Elmer Ferrer and pianist Roberto Carcassés, touring internationally.
Career Development
In the late 1990s, Bueno's career took him to the United States, where he was an artist-in-residence at Stanford University and later taught at the University of South Africa. In 1999, he moved to New York and became a founding member of the Latin fusion band Yerba Buena. He wrote or co-wrote many songs for their debut album, "President Alien," which saw its tracks featured in US movies and commercials. After his time with Yerba Buena, Bueno returned to Cuba and focused on producing, arranging, and composing for other Cuban artists.
International Success and Collaborations
Descemer Bueno's international breakthrough came through his collaborations with major artists, most notably Enrique Iglesias. He co-wrote the global hit "Bailando," which featured Gente de Zona and became a massive international success, winning multiple Latin Grammy Awards in 2014, including "Song of the Year". He also penned the hit "Cuando Me Enamoro" for Enrique Iglesias and Juan Luis Guerra, which also won a Latin Grammy. His songwriting credits include work for artists like Thalía, Ana Torroja, and Fonseca.
Musical Style and Film Contributions
Bueno's music is a versatile blend of genres, including jazz, hip-hop, bachata, and traditional Cuban sounds. He has also made significant contributions to film soundtracks. He was part of the team that won a Goya Award for Best Original Music for the 2005 film "Havana Blues". His music was also featured in the film "Habana Eva," which won awards at several Latino film festivals.
Notable Awards
Throughout his career, Descemer Bueno has received numerous accolades. His most significant awards include:
- 2006: Goya award for Best Original Music for the film "Havana Blues".
- 2009 & 2010: ASCAP award for "Lloro por ti" performed by Enrique Iglesias.
- 2011: Latin Grammy for "Song of the Year" for "Cuando me enamoro".
- 2014: Multiple Latin Grammy awards for "Bailando," including "Song of the Year".
- 2021: Latin Grammy for "Song of the Year" for "Patria y Vida".