Eliades Ochoa (born 22 June 1946, Songo La Maya, Cuba) is a Cuban guitarist, tres player and singer widely regarded as one of the finest living soneros. He rose to global fame as a key member of the Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social Club project in 1997, lending his lead vocals to the iconic opener 'Chan Chan'. Over a career spanning more than five decades he has led Cuarteto Patria and kept Cuban son, guaracha, guajira and bolero alive on stages worldwide - always in his trademark campesino hat.
Ochoa's '¡Como Nunca!' tour, launched to mark his 80th birthday, continues across Europe in autumn 2026, with a new album announced for late 2026.
Ochoa performed in Barcelona as part of the '¡Como Nunca!' tour, revisiting the Cuban son repertoire made famous by the 1997 Buena Vista Social Club album.
Ochoa announced three Mexican tour dates for 2026 (Monterrey, Mexico City, Guadalajara) as part of the international '¡Como Nunca!' tour.
Ochoa performed at London's Barbican as part of the La Linea Festival in April 2025.
Ochoa released the album 'Guajiro' (2023), featuring collaborations with Rubén Blades, Joan as Police Woman and Charlie Musselwhite.
