"I have always been aware that something very strong ties me forever with Cuba and that’s why I’m here," said the new diva of African music.

She said she would have liked to have been here in time for the recently concluded Cubadisco 2008 but there’s no inopportune time for her to visit. Andrade arrived Wednesday in Havana where she received the Cubadisco International Award from Ciro Benemelis, the event’s president.

Benemelis explained that Andrade’s new album titled Navega won over Cuban experts with the freshness of her singing and its fidelity with the musical legacy of her country. The recording has also received acclaim from European audiences and critics.

Crisitina Gomes, Cabo Verde’s ambassador in Havana, expressed the gratitude of her small country and friend of Cuba. She noted that the music from her island nation has opened the door to the world in the voices of Cesaria Evora, Teofilo Chantre and now a young woman like Mayra Andrade, who has people talking.

Mayra had words of praise for the Buena Vista Social Club project and Omara Portuondo with whom she will perform soon in Canada. She recalled that as a little girl she liked to sing the Pablo Milanes song Años. As a salute to the Cuban singer-composer she delighted those present with a solo version of the song.

(www.cubasi.cu)