Spotlight: Celia Cruz

Nationality: Cuban-American

Celia Cruz was one of the most iconic singers and performers of salsa music, known as “la Reina de la Salsa” (the Queen of Salsa). She released 75 albums over her lifetime, 23 of which went gold.

Her famous shout “¡Azúcar!” (which literally means “sugar,”) was used by Celia Cruz as an interjection in songs and performances, in time it took on greater meaning as a remembrance of enslaved Africans who worked on Cuban sugar plantations.

“When opportunity presents itself grab it. Hold on tight and don’t let go.” – Celia Cruz