Alex Cuba continues to be honoured by his hometown in Smithers for his achievements in the music industry.
A street party will be held on September 17 at Boville Square from 2 to 6 p.m. which will feature local musicians and speeches from the local government and arts community.
Earlier this year, Cuba received a Grammy Award for Latin Pop Album of the Year for his album Mendo that was written, recorded and produced at his home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Gladys Atrill said the main purpose of the event is to recognize the amazing achievement of someone who lives here.
“Achieving a Grammy Award is one of these amazing world music prizes and so, this a chance for us in this community to acknowledge one of our own, Alex Cuba to say congratulations and say we’re excited for you and we’re proud of you,” she said.
According to Chamber Manager Sheena Miller, the event is a way to bring the community together as Cuba is a community minded person.
“He has such a passion and heart for Smithers. He is so proud to be from Smithers,” she said.
Atrill and Miller added that they have heard positive things from the community about this event.
“Smithereens have an incredible pride of community and we don’t have to go very far to find reasons to be proud. This is one more reason and something we’re celebrating together and I think those things make us stronger as a community,” Atrill said.
Miller also said that this is a tribute for all of the accomplishments Cuba has done throughout his musical career.
“It’s an honor to really say Alex thank you for what you do for the music community across Canada, in BC. Alex is a significant economic driver in music. He really is someone who has put Canada on the map in music,” he said.
Earlier this month Cuba was honoured with a mural located in the Smithers downtown core at Main Street and Third Avenue.
He will also be receiving a doctorate degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario for his artistic and cultural impact as a Cuban-Canadian musician.