Dee Hernandez is a Cuban-born singer, songwriter, and performer whose voice and presence channel the vibrant pulse of her roots and the emotional landscape of soul-infused contemporary music. Now based in Atlantic Canada, Dee crafts an immersive sonic experience, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz, soul, funk, and pop in a style that's unmistakably her own.

Born into a musical family in Havana, Dee grew up surrounded by powerful female voices and timeless artists like La Lupe, Nat King Cole, and Whitney Houston—artists who inspired her early on. At just 16, she defected during an East Coast tour with a Cuban big band, boldly choosing to stay in Canada to pursue artistic freedom and a life built through music. That leap shaped not only her personal story but also her signature sound: one that bridges continents, cultures, and generations.

Dee’s music is as rich and layered as her journey. It’s where the rhythmic language of rumba meets the intimacy of acoustic jazz cafés, and where her warm, sultry vocals breathe new life into traditional forms. Whether fronting a full band or in a stripped-down acoustic set, she draws audiences in with her heartfelt delivery, commanding stage presence, and deeply resonant storytelling.

Recognized with nominations from the East Coast Music Awards and Music New Brunswick, Dee has graced stages at Canadian Music Week, Contact East, Festival Acadie Rock, Area 506, and the Toronto Export Showcase. Her music was also featured in the TIFF-screened film Do I Know You from Somewhere, earning further industry acclaim. Icons like Jully Black and Sass Jordan have celebrated her as a rare, authentic voice in Canada’s cultural landscape.

With every performance, Dee creates space for connection, blending the energy of her Afro-Cuban roots with the soulful nuances of modern jazz and pop. Her shows are more than entertainment, they’re intimate journeys of spirit, groove, and cultural celebration.

When did you first realize you had a passion for music?

One of my earliest memories was at daycare in Cuba—back then, most daycares weren’t privately owned but run by the government. We were having a talent show, and I got up and sang a song. There was this feeling I got—it was so rewarding, like something lit up inside me. I knew right then and there that I wanted to feel that again and again. From that moment on, I took every opportunity to perform at school events and community gatherings (which we had plenty of). I started to build a name for myself in my little hometown, and eventually, across the whole municipality.

What inspired you to make music and pursue a career in it?

Music has been part of my life since childhood. I was already a professional musician in Cuba, gaining experience through various projects on the island. My first international performance was in Mexico when I was just 13. Later on, after arriving in Canada and spending time in Toronto, I continued performing and working with different musical groups, further expanding my experience.

But the moment I began creating my own music, writing from a deeply personal place, was a different kind of turning point. It didn’t happen right away. It came as I began processing my journey of leaving Cuba, building a new life, and navigating identity, loss, and growth. Psychology has always fascinated me, and music naturally became my emotional outlet. Each song became a space where I could work through a problem or emotion, often finding healing in the process. I never really felt I could fully open up to anyone, so music became my confidant.

So, while I had already built a career as a performer, the decision to become a creator—to pursue music as a solo artist—came from a deeply personal need to express my truth and connect with others on that level.

What are your biggest musical influences or sources of inspiration, and how have they shaped your sound?

I always struggle with this question because I’m influenced by such a wide range of music—every song that has touched me on a soul level has left a mark. My sound is extremely diverse because I’ve always connected with emotion first, not genre.

Growing up in Cuba, I was surrounded by filin—a genre from the 1950s that blends Cuban bolero with jazz and emotional depth. My family loved singing those songs, especially during los apagones (blackouts) when the power would go out for hours. We’d gather, sing, and share stories in the dark, and those memories are engraved in me. That’s where I learned the power of raw emotion and connection through music.

My grandfather, on the other hand, adored tangos. That sense of longing, nostalgia, and melancholy—those feelings naturally made their way into my music as well. So while I might blend Afro-Cuban rhythms with R&B, soul, or pop, at the core of it all is an emotional truth shaped by those early influences and the cultural richness I was raised in.

How would you describe your music, and what makes it unique?

My music is a fusion of cultures, rhythms, and emotions. It blends Afro-Cuban roots with elements of R&B, soul, pop, and funk—always guided by deep feeling and storytelling. I don’t fit neatly into one genre because I pull from my lived experiences, my heritage, and my curiosity as an artist.

What makes my music unique is the emotional honesty and the cultural blend behind it. I write from a place of vulnerability, but I also carry the strength of my roots with me. You can hear traditional Cuban influences in the rhythms, the phrasing, or even just the feeling of the song, but it’s presented through a modern lens that connects with a wide range of listeners. My voice, both in tone and in message, reflects a journey of identity, resilience, and transformation.

Each song is an invitation to feel something real—to move, to reflect, to celebrate, or to heal.

How does your creative process unfold as you write and compose new songs?

I usually start with a bass line or a groove that pops into my head—rhythm is always the first spark. Groove is the heartbeat of my music because, while I love storytelling, I also believe music should move you—literally. I love dancing, and I want my music to invite people into that same release.

Movement, to me, is more than just physical—it’s a form of spiritual practice. It helps us unlock something deep within ourselves. That belief plays a big part in how I approach creating. When the groove feels right, I begin layering vocals, often mimicking horn sections or textures with my voice, shaping the energy of the song before adding full instrumentation.

From there, the lyrics come, usually rooted in personal experiences or emotions I’m working through. It’s an intuitive, layered process that balances rhythm, story, and soul. Each step is about channeling something honest and alive.

How do you prepare for a show or concert? Do you have any rituals or routines before performing?

Some people call it praying—but for me, it’s about giving thanks. Before every performance, I take a moment to thank God and my ancestors for the opportunity to share my gift. I never take it for granted.

Just before going on stage, I find a quiet space backstage where I can center myself. I do some breathing exercises to ground my energy, calm my nerves, and get fully present. This moment of stillness helps me connect not only with my purpose as an artist but also with my cultural roots and the lineage of strength and creativity that flows through me. It reminds me that I am carrying forward a legacy, which gives me both power and humility as I perform.

What is your favourite song to perform live and why?

I don’t have one!

What has been your most memorable performance?

Honestly, I don’t have just one most memorable performance. Every show is special to me because each one carries my purpose forward—a step closer to reaching more listeners and sharing joy through music. Whether I’m performing for four people or four billion, I give my all every time. It’s about the connection, the energy, and the moment we create together that makes each performance unforgettable in its own way.

What are some of the biggest challenges/struggles you've faced as a musician?

One of the biggest challenges has been creating my own lane in a place that didn’t always have a space for someone like me. As an Afro-Cuban artist blending genres like R&B, soul, and pop, I often found myself outside of the mainstream or local music scenes. But I didn’t wait for a seat at the table—I built my own. Whether others see it as big or small, I created something meaningful and authentic, on my own terms.

I see myself as a bridge—someone who allows culture, rhythm, and emotion to cross over safely, inviting people into a space where they don’t have to question whether they belong. That hasn’t always been easy. It takes strength to stand firmly in your identity and vision when the industry or community isn’t quite set up for it. But those challenges have made me more intentional, more rooted, and more determined to keep growing and sharing what I do.

As a Cuban artist based in New Brunswick, how has your upbringing influenced your music?

My Cuban upbringing is the heartbeat of everything I create. Growing up surrounded by music—whether it was filin, boleros, rumba, or even spontaneous family jam sessions during los apagones (blackouts)—music wasn’t just entertainment, it was a way of life. It was how we celebrated, how we coped, and how we connected.

That spirit never left me. Even now, living in New Brunswick, I carry that cultural rhythm in my bones. The way I phrase a lyric, the groove I chase, the emotional richness I pour into my voice—it’s all rooted in where I come from. Being Cuban taught me to lead with feeling and to embrace music as a living, breathing part of who I am.

At the same time, living in a place where my sound isn’t always the norm has pushed me to get creative—to blend my roots with new influences, to be fearless in my expression, and to introduce my heritage to new audiences in a way that feels honest and joyful.

What have you learned about yourself and New Brunswick's artistic community through your work?

Through my work, I’ve learned that I’m more resilient and adaptable than I ever imagined. Coming from Cuba and stepping into New Brunswick’s artistic scene wasn’t always easy. There wasn’t a clear space for someone like me, with my sound, my culture, and my background. But instead of waiting for permission, I created my own path.

I’ve learned that I have the power to open doors—not just for myself, but for others who feel like they don’t quite fit in. That’s been one of the most meaningful parts of this journey: realizing I can be a bridge, offering something different and still deeply connected.

As for New Brunswick’s artistic community, I’ve seen its potential and its hunger for something fresh. While it may not always have the infrastructure or cultural diversity of bigger cities, it does have heart, talent, and people who care deeply about the arts. I’ve also seen that representation matters—when people hear or see themselves in your work, something shifts. It creates connection, pride, and possibility.

I’ve learned that growth can happen in unexpected places and that sometimes, being different is exactly what a place needs.
 

If you weren’t a musician, what career path would you have chosen?

If I weren’t a musician, I probably would’ve pursued a path in either psychology, education, or something connected to movement, like dance therapy. I used to train as a dancer back in Cuba, and that form of expression has always stayed with me. Dance, like music, has the power to heal, connect, and awaken something deep within us.

At the same time, I’ve always had a love for education. I enjoy helping people grow, guiding them, and creating safe spaces for learning—whether that’s through music, movement, or conversation. Psychology has always fascinated me, especially how our emotions shape our actions and stories. I think I would’ve found a way to blend all those passions—teaching, healing, and creating—in whatever path I chose.

But in many ways, I still get to live all of that through music.

What are your goals for your music career in the future?

This is a question I get a lot from people in the industry, and honestly, it always makes me smile. Not because I don’t care, but because I’ve learned not to worry about the future when it comes to music. I try to stay as present as possible. In a world where everything is about what’s next, I focus on what is.

My goal is simple: to keep creating, performing, and sharing music with honesty and joy. To do what I do best, the best I can, as many times as life allows me. I want to enjoy every note, every stage, every connection—big or small.

And whatever comes as a result of that, I’ll be ready to receive it—with gratitude, openness, and love.

Describe what you are most proud of in your career.

What I’m most proud of is having the courage to be me.

In an industry that often tries to define you or make you fit into a mold, I’ve stayed rooted in my truth—my culture, my voice, and my story. I’ve created my own lane in a place that didn’t always have one for someone like me.

And honestly? I brought sabrosura to Atlantic Canada—that irresistible flavor and rhythm that gets people moving and feeling alive. It’s more than music; it’s a celebration of who I am and where I come from. That’s something special, and I’m proud to share that energy wherever I go.

Are you currently working on a new project/album? Can you tell us a little bit about this project?

The upcoming album, Deshecha, represents a full-circle moment for me—reconnecting deeply with my roots while embracing my personal and artistic evolution. Featuring nine songs, four in Spanish and five in English, the album captures the diverse moods and emotional states experienced by someone navigating life as a new Canadian.

Through powerful themes of love, heartbreak, resilience, and mental struggles, I share my authentic journey of adapting to a new world while fiercely preserving my essence. Deshecha is a heartfelt testament to overcoming barriers and finding strength through transformation.
 

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Remind yourself why you started: the love for music and the joy it brings. Let that passion guide you through the ups and downs, and never lose sight of the power your music has to connect, heal, and inspire.

Are you, or do you know, a professional artist based in New Brunswick who is creating impactful and innovative work? We love discovering and sharing your stories! Send us a message at artsculturenb@gnb.ca.