Omara: Cuba’s Legendary Diva - Director Hugo Perez

If you’ve listened to the Buena Vista Social Club, then you’ve heard the unforgettable voice of Omara Portuondo. At 90, Cuba's legendary diva has been a driving force in Afro-Cuban music for over half a century. In this first-of-its-kind look at the life of one of the nation’s biggest stars and last grand dames, director Hugo Perez brings audiences along on an intimate journey into the heart of Cuba’s "Bride of Feeling," following Omara as she celebrates and shares the music of her beloved island with the world. Director Hugo Perez stops by to talk about the winding road that brought him to the door of Omara Portuondo, how growing up as the child of bi-racial parents impacted her personal and professional life, and why her international legacy was established long before the Buena Vista Social Club made her an “overnight” sensation.   “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.