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By Chris Koo

UNBC Honorary degree

Internationally recognized musical artist receives honorary degree at UNBC

Apr 22, 2024 | 11:54 AM

SMITHERS — Singing in both Spanish and English, Alex Cuba is an award-winning international musical artist from Cuba who will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Northern British Columbia during the 2024 Convocation ceremony at the Prince George campus on May 31.

Previously receiving an honorary degree from the Queens University for his impact on the Canadian music world, Cuba says he’s thrilled to receive an honorary degree from UNBC.

“It’s just beautiful to receive this recognition from UNBC.”

However, the musical artist says the road was bumpy, like any other artist who ventures out of their comfort zone.

Born Alexis Puentes in Artemisa, Cuba, the singer-songwriter immigrated to Canada in 1999 after marrying his wife, Sarah.

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Following his wife’s hometown, Smithers, the talented musical artist, says music was not a prospective career in the town when he first embarked on his journey 20 years ago.

“I know a lot of people thought that I was crazy when I began(his first career in Canada), and to look back on that and come all the way to the present and realize what’s happening now is beyond beautiful.”

Cuba has managed his career and released his records independently, eventually launching his own record label, Caracol Records. His solo debut album, Humo De Tobaco, won a Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year in 2006.

Also, spreading his unique sound across the country, Cuba says it’s been amazing to witness Smithers slowly accept arts as part of their culture.

“It’s been amazing to watch the community slowly begin believing more and more in arts and culture, and today, I can say very proudly that Smithers is very healthy musically and artistically.”

Cuba credits his town as a part of his success, noting that his community’s supporting nature helped him feel more connected to the culture.

Over the years, Cuba has collaborated with artists he admires, including Ron Sexsmith, Corrine Bailey Rae, and Nelly Furtado. Cuba worked with Furtado to co-write several songs and record a duet for her album Mi Plan, which won a Latin Grammy Award.

Living in a small town in Smithers, Cuba, he says believing in himself has been his biggest motivation in a distracting world.