Gujiro Natural

If you visited Cuba in the Summer of 200o there was one name and one album you just could not escape -Polo Montanez and his “Guajiro Natural” album.


In the realm of Cuban music, Polo Montañez's album "Guajiro Natural" stands as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and a deep connection to rural Cuban life. Released in 2000, this album is a heartfelt tribute to the guajiro (Cuban farmers), capturing the essence of their lives and the landscapes they call home.

Polo Montañez, hailing from the lush countryside of Pinar del Río, was playing for living in different bars and hotels until he was discovered, at the age of 44, by the label Lusafrica that produced his first album - “Guajiro Natural”.

The album is a harmonious blend of son, guajira, and guaracha, driven by Montañez's soulful vocals and his deep-rooted connection to the rural landscapes of Cuba. The result is a collection of songs that transport listeners to the heart of the Cuban countryside, where the beauty of simplicity and the warmth of community shine brightly.

One of the album's standout tracks is "Un Montón de Estrellas," a heartfelt love song infused with the rustic charm of the countryside.
This song became an instant hit and made Montanez an international star overnight with the likes of Gilaberto Santa Rosa also singing a cover version to this hit.

The other songs in the album are not at the same caliber but they all weaves a musical narrative that paints a vivid picture of rural Cuba. Songs like "Guajiro Natural" and "Si Se Enamora de Mi" capture the essence of guajiro life, with Montañez's honest and emotive voice acting as the perfect guide on this musical journey.

The simple musical arrangements and production keeps the song honest to their roots and make it sound like a live show at the “Casa de la Musica” - Cuban Son at his best.


If you found yourself in Cuba during the summer of 2000, there was one name and one album that echoed through the streets - Polo Montañez and his remarkable work, "Guajiro Natural."

In the vast realm of Cuban music, Polo Montañez's album, "Guajiro Natural," serves as a powerful testament to the art of authentic storytelling and a profound connection to the heart of rural Cuban life. Released in 2000, this album pays a heartfelt tribute to the guajiro, the Cuban farmers, capturing the very essence of their daily existence and the landscapes they hold dear.

Polo Montañez, who hailed from the lush countryside of Pinar del Río, led a life playing in various bars and hotels until the age of 44 when fate intervened. It was at this juncture that the Lusafrica label discovered him and produced his debut album, the now-iconic "Guajiro Natural."

This album represents a harmonious fusion of son, guajira, and guaracha, anchored by the soul-stirring vocals of Montañez and his unshakable connection to Cuba's rural landscapes. The outcome is a captivating collection of songs that transports listeners directly to the heart of the Cuban countryside, where the elegance of simplicity and the warmth of community radiate brilliantly.

One of the album's standout tracks, "Un Montón de Estrellas," is a heartfelt love song that beautifully embodies the rustic charm of the countryside. This song became an instant sensation and catapulted Montañez to international stardom virtually overnight, with renowned artists such as Gilberto Santa Rosa covering this hit.

While not every track on the album reaches the same heights as "Un Montón de Estrellas," they all contribute to weaving a musical narrative that paints a vivid portrait of rural Cuba. Songs like "Guajiro Natural" and "Si Se Enamora de Mi" effortlessly capture the essence of guajiro life, with Montañez's sincere and emotionally charged voice acting as the ideal guide on this musical journey.

The simplicity of the musical arrangements and the unembellished production pay homage to the roots of these songs, lending them an authentic, live-show quality reminiscent of a night at the "Casa de la Música." This is Cuban Son at its finest, retaining the raw, unfiltered essence of the genre.

In sum, "Guajiro Natural" by Polo Montañez is an unforgettable musical journey through the soul of rural Cuba, etching Polo Montañez's name in the annals of Cuban music history.