Earlier this year during the Grammys, I learned that an artist from my hometown won his first Grammy Award.
That artist was Alexis Puentes, better known as Alex Cuba to his fans.
While he is originally from Cuba, he’s planted his roots in Smithers, BC and everyone from there knows who he is.
He wasn’t expecting to win a Grammy that night and was travelling back to Smithers from the Okanagan where he was playing a show when he got the news.
“It feels like dreams do come true when you push hard like when you go to get what you want to see in your life and the discipline to do what needs to be done which, is the work no matter where you are in the world it’s going to happen,”
-Alex Cuba, MyBulkleyLakesNow
This was a big thing for people in Smithers and the celebration was just around the corner.
First up was a huge mural that was made in the downtown core featuring Alex to celebrate his win.
Thank you Smithers, thank you Facundo Gastiazoro for this beautiful mural in downtown Smithers, our beautiful community. #grammywinner2022 #smithersproud #cubancanadiansingersongwriter #alexcuba pic.twitter.com/asOiM0WV3Z
— Alex Cuba (@AlexCuba) August 3, 2022
But it didn’t end there. There was also a block party thrown by the town to celebrate his win, which featured the talents of other local artists including Mark Perry, another local artist who Alex looks up to.
“I’d love to one day be as famous as he is in Smithers, B.C.”
-Alex Cuba, CBC
The recent win and media he got also sparked Queens University to award him an honorary degree.
What a day today receiving an honorary degree for the prestigious Queen’s University. Thank you so much for this incredible honor. pic.twitter.com/Q8E0x5RRQz
— Alex Cuba (@AlexCuba) October 12, 2022
Cuba isn’t the only Canadian to win a Grammy, joining talents such as Shania Twain, The Weekend, Bryan Adams, and Nelly Furtado.
Having spoken to Alex on the streets, he’s an absolutely amazing guy with the strength of his fans and his town behind what he does.