‘Omara: Cuba’s Legendary Diva’ premieres on the PBS series VOCES
The PBS series VOCES explores the life, music and legacy of Omara Portuondo, the Afro-Cuban signer who rose to international fame with the Buena Vista Social Club. “Omara: Cuba’s Legendary Diva” premieres on the PBS series VOCES on Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS app.
Now in her 90’s, Cuba’s legendary diva takes viewers on a journey to her life as a child where she got her love of music from her parents and to her days as a member of one of the first influential girl groups, D’Aida. The film chronicles Omara’s beginnings as the daughter of a white, wealthy mother and a Black baseball-player father, at a time when such a union meant complete social ruin, to becoming a dancer at age 17 at the world-famous cabaret Tropicana. By her mid 20s, Omara was one of Cuba’s brightest young stars as part of the all-female girl group touring extensively and opening for Nat King Cole.
VOCES: Omara: Cuba’s Legendary Diva
Omara Portuondo (far left) with the Cuarteto D’Aida, circa 1950s.
(Photo Credit: Omara Portuondo Family Collection)
The doc follows Omara to Japan for a rare performance where collaborator is interviewed. Japanese Latin singer Yoshiro Hiroishi who sang with “How Is It Possible?” with the diva best describes why so many people love her. “Her music is hope. Is Live. Is Love,” he says. “There are many singers that sing well. But they don’t have heart. She knows life…knows sadness…knows joy.”
The doc also tells of the origins of The Buena Vista Social Club, who went from a group of famous friends getting together to record for fun that led to a Grammy, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and their story inspiring the Tony-winning musical of the same name.
Later in the doc as Omara is interviewed about her final tour she famously says, “This is my third final tour.” The singer has no plans to retire anytime soon.
” “Omara: Cuba’s Legendary Diva” premieres on the PBS series VOCES on Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS app.
