This past Friday in Havana, the renowned Cuban radio host Mirta Aleida Fernández Corrales passed away at the age of 81. Known as a vocal icon of Radio Enciclopedia, Fernández was celebrated for her sophisticated vocal style that influenced multiple generations in the broadcasting industry.
"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mirta Aleida Fernández Corrales, one of the most iconic voices of Radio Enciclopedia, where she spent a significant part of her career since beginning her artistic journey in 1970," the institution officially stated.
A Voice for the Ages
Fernández Corrales launched her professional radio career in 1970, developing a style characterized by elegance, discipline, and a profound respect for the spoken word. Her warm, captivating tone, marked by flawless diction, made her a beloved companion to countless listeners.
Her colleagues often remarked on her ability to "infuse each phrase with intent, conveying serenity or emphasis without ostentation," transforming her readings into an intimate dialogue with the audience. She spent most of her illustrious career at Radio Enciclopedia, where she refined a sophisticated and musical style that seamlessly aligned with the station's cultural mission.
Extensive Career in Broadcasting
Mirta Aleida's professional journey was vast, working with Radio Popular, Radio Internacional, and centralized bulletins like Su reportero RP for Radio Progreso. She also graced television newscasts, musical and cultural programs, and shows such as Por primera vez, a precursor to the popular Todo el mundo canta.
Her voice resonated across multiple stations including Radio Cadena Habana, C.O.C.O., Radio Metropolitana, Radio Ciudad de La Habana, and CMBF Radio Musical Nacional. She was also part of Radio Reloj, bringing precision and rhythm to one of the most demanding news formats.
A Legacy of Excellence
A member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) and recognized as a Meritorious Artist of Cuban Radio, Mirta Aleida approached each broadcast as a cultural responsibility. Colleagues and managers recall her as a meticulous professional, tireless worker, and champion of eloquent speech.
Her passing has sparked numerous expressions of sorrow, with many viewing it as the end of an era of exceptional broadcasters who elevated the quality of national radio. "A voice may be gone, but its echo lingers in collective memory, like gentle music in the twilight," a colleague summarized in a heartfelt message.
In August 2025, Radio Enciclopedia dedicated an extensive profile to her, where colleagues affectionately described her with titles more telling than any biography: "The eternal, the mysterious, the diva, the forever young, the immortal, the keeper of time."
She was the longest-serving broadcaster at the station, and her occasional absence was enough to "set off all alarms," as her discipline was legendary. The piece highlighted her natural elegance, always pristine yet understated: "She knows how to present herself appropriately for every occasion as a true lady of the vocal arts."
Mirta Aleida was also a mentor, ally, and pillar for younger broadcasters. In June 2025, she celebrated her 81st birthday, an age her team jokingly reversed to claim she was still "just 18." The article also emphasized one of her most remarkable talents: her mastery of figurative pronunciation.
"Any listener would swear that Mirta Aleida knows every language," it read, as she effortlessly articulated names and phrases in Czech, Japanese, French, Swedish, and other languages, honoring one of the station's historical specialties.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mirta Aleida Fernández
What was Mirta Aleida Fernández known for?
Mirta Aleida Fernández was renowned for her sophisticated and elegant vocal style, which made her a beloved icon on Radio Enciclopedia.
How long did Mirta Aleida Fernández work at Radio Enciclopedia?
She spent the majority of her broadcasting career, which began in 1970, at Radio Enciclopedia, making her the station's longest-serving broadcaster.