Cuban Music

I used to tell the members of Westminster Chapel I love Cuban music – yes, afro-Cuban, salsa – you could say “worldly” music. But I did not realize that many Cubans who become Christians give up that sort of music.

When I was first introduced to the Spring of Life Church in Miami, Florida – some years ago – by Pastor Dr. Joaquin Molina, I told the congregation how much I love Cuban music, that of Aragon, Fajardo, Celia Cruz and Orquestra Riverside of Havana. The people were quiet. The pastor explained later that Cubans who are converted do not listen to that kind of music! Oh dear.

But they not only forgave me, when I was there a couple years ago the music group actually did some Christian songs to a Cuban rhythm. I loved it.

There is more. Last week I attended their annual Christmas gala. When initially invited I said, “Sorry, I will be in too much jet lag from Shanghai”. The pastor then said, “There will be Cuban music”. I replied, “I’ll be there”.

I was there. It happens that they have world class musicians in their church. For example, Richie Ray (Youtube “El rey de la salsa”). He was voted “King of Salsa”, is one of the creators of combining salsa with classical music (Beethoven, Mozart), has 14 million gold albums. In the church is also Gerardo E. Rodriquez, a trumpet player of world class, has played twice to packed house at Madison Square Garden in New York. You must listen (three minutes) to him play the attached. But you can listen to snippets of his playing on Youtube.

It was so thrilling to be at the Spring of Life Christmas gala – also to preach to these lovely people in Miami. I love these people, I love Cuban coffee, eating at the Versailles Restaurant and mixing with their staff.

Are you shocked that I love Cuban music? Well, will it help you to know that the great J. I. Packer, greatest theologian in the world today, loves New Orleans jazz?