Born in 1966 in Santiago de Cuba, Kiki Valera is a Cuban multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and producer known for his mastery of the Cuban cuatro and tres. He grew up in a prominent musical household as the eldest son of Don Felix Valera Miranda, leader of the traditional group La Familia Valera Miranda. Through his heritage and upbringing in Santiago de Cuba, Valera became a key exponent of son cubano, contributing to its preservation and evolution.
Valera's musical style incorporates elements of traditional son cubano, timba, and latin jazz. His recorded catalog includes the 2019 album "Vivencias En Clave Cubana," which was followed by the 2020 live single "Dos Gardenias (En Vivo)." In 2023, he released the album "Son Con Son, En el Suelo Americano."
Valera remained highly active in 2024, releasing the singles "Este Vacilón" and "El Ají de Cocina," as well as the album "Vacilón Santiaguero." Throughout his career, he has performed internationally and collaborated with notable Cuban vocalists such as Coco Freeman, maintaining deep ties to the traditional music of his hometown.
