The recording, the result of joint work of Cuarteto Patria, led by Ochoa, and several artists from Mali, is a blend of rhythms from both nations with the characteristic sounds of traditional instruments.
Malians Toumani Diabate (kora), Bassekou Kouyate (ngoni) and Djelimady Tounkara (guitar), Kasse Mady Diabaté (singer) and Lassana Diabate (balafon) joined their talents with the Cuban musicians to create this blend of Cuban and African music.
The album, produced by the British label World Circuit, will compete in this 54th year of the awards with "Africa for Africa" by Nigerian Femi Kuti, "Songs from a Zulu Farm" by the South African male choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Tassili, from the Mali's band Tinariwen.
The award ceremony will held at the Staples Center in the U.S. city of Los Angeles.
Eliades Ochoa, one of the most distinguished artists for his work in the Cuban music scene today, won a golden gramophone in the same category in 1999 as part of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club, a project he helped create.
On two other occasions he was nominated for the award by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Recording for the album Sublime Illusion, in 2000, and Tribute to al Cuarteto Patria, in 2001.
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