Marta Elena is a Juno Award–winning Cuban singer, composer, and bandleader whose artistry is rooted in the richness of Afro-Cuban musical traditions. Drawing from danzón, rumba, cha-cha-cha, Cuban salsa, and bolero, she crafts a sound that is both deeply traditional and distinctly contemporary, embodying the spirit of the Cuban mulata. 

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Rooted deeply in salsa, Marta Elena honours the tradition that shaped her sound while boldly expanding its boundaries. On her new album Por Amor, she remains faithful to her salsa roots while embracing new musical conversations, weaving in bolero, funk, and regional influences that reflect the evolving pulse of Latin American music worldwide. This openness to experimentation does not dilute her identity—it strengthens it, positioning her as an artist who bridges generations, tradition and innovation, and local histories with global sounds shaping today’s Latin music landscape.

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Por Amor was recorded at RHC Music Recording Studios in Toronto with an exceptional group of Canadian and Cuban-Canadian musicians based in the GTA. The album is a celebration of collaboration, culture, and a deep love for music, dedicated to all those who have supported her artistic journey.

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Based in Toronto since 2011, Marta Elena has become a prominent voice in Canada’s Latin and jazz music scenes, collaborating with leading artists and performing at major venues and festivals nationwide. She leads both an 11-piece and a 7-piece orchestra, touring extensively across the country, and is a regular guest vocalist with Latin Grammy Award–winning pianist Hilario Durán and his Latin Jazz Big Band. She is also a featured vocalist with the acclaimed all-female ensemble Maqueque, directed by Jane Bunnett, with performances across Canada, the United States, and Europe.