Two Latin Grammys for Cuban Artists

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Omara Portuondo, the Star of Buena Vista Social Club

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Cuban diva Omara Portuondo and jazz composer and pianist Chucho Valdés won two Latin Grammys in the 2009 edition, in Las Vegas, while the Puerto Rican duet Calle 13 razed with five prizes,  included the best recording of the year.

Omara,  former member of the Quartet the D'Aidas, and the only woman in the Buena Vista Social Club, is the first artist living in Cuba who appear in the Latin Grammy, even as presentator.

During years some of the most outstanding Cuban artists nominated for the Prize, didn't receive visas to attend this ceremony, although they had traveled previously to the States. Among those nominated are Van Van Orchestra,  Charanga Habanera, Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer and Eliades Ochoa, the groups Orishas and Muñequitos de Matanzas, the jazzman Chucho Valdés and Polo Montañez.

Although the Cuban musicians continued being nominated for the Prizes Grammys, the hardening of the regulations of the blockade against Cuba prevented them to get a visa.

"Thank you" and "Together forever" are the winner disks by Omara and Chucho Valdés, in the  best contemporary tropical album.

Portuondo said in Las Vegas that the US blockade against Cuba for 50 years must end. . That has to end, it would be the best thing for everybody, she underlined.