Today we’d like to introduce you to Franco Romero.
Hi Franco, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Franco Romero, and I am a 26-year-old saxophonist from Havana, Cuba. I began my musical journey at the age of ten, taking my first steps at the Alejandro García Caturla School before continuing my studies at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory in Havana. During my four years there, I became deeply immersed in jazz, serving as lead alto in my school’s jazz band and developing a strong connection between jazz and Afro-Cuban music. This period marked a turning point in my artistic growth and led to formative experiences, including performances in the United States in 2017 at Preservation Hall in New Orleans and at Lincoln Center in New York as part of the Essentially Ellington competition, as well as in Mexico at the International Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato.
Along the way, I had the opportunity to study and learn from influential artists such as Common, Esperanza Spalding, Paquito D’Rivera, Josvany Terry, Chad Eby, and Victor Goines, among others. I also participated in professional recordings with the jazz band of cuban producer and composer Joaquín Betancourt, including sessions for the album Mendó by Alex Cuba, which won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album in 2021. Today, I am in my third year at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, majoring in Jazz Performance and a minor in accounting, while continuing to grow as an artist and educator. Also, as a Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation ambassador, my long-term goal is to continue learning, creating, and ultimately give back by mentoring future generations of musicians while pursuing my own artistic and professional achievements.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Growing up in Cuba was difficult, and I was forced to learn at a very early age how limited access to resources could shape my dreams and goals. These were real limitations, such as blackouts that lasted more than ten hours, and moments when my family couldn’t afford to buy me a saxophone because choosing the instrument meant not being able to buy food. Because of my family’s social and economic situation, I didn’t have access to many things that others take for granted and real opportunities were not always available in Cuba, but what truly motivated me was the love my family always gave me. Because of that, much of my learning and progress came from working hard and making the most out of very little.
Leaving my country in search of better opportunities meant leaving my family, my culture, my friends, my language, and everything familiar behind, which was emotionally heavy. Starting over in this country pushed me to mature quickly, adapt to a different language and system, and stay motivated even during moments of loneliness and uncertainty.
All of these experiences didn’t slow me down; they strengthened my identity, deepened my connection to music, and reminded me why I do this every day. To anyone reading this article: never give up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work centers around jazz performance with a strong focus on Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz traditions. As a saxophonist, I specialize in blending the language of modern jazz with the rhythmic, cultural, and spiritual roots of Afro-Cuban music. I’m always trying to bring authenticity to my sound while constantly searching for ways to connect tradition with contemporary expression.
I’m especially proud of the journey that brought me from limited resources to professional stages and recordings. One of the most meaningful milestones in my career was participating in professional recording sessions with the jazz band of Cuban producer, arranger, and composer Joaquín Betancourt, including work on the album Mendó by Alex Cuba. This project went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album in 2021, an experience that had a deep impact on my growth as a musician.
I have also been a two-time recipient of scholarships from the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation and was selected as a student guest participant at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas. Through programs and opportunities provided by the Foundation, I’ve had the chance to share the stage with artists such as Elena Rose and Sebastián Yatra.
In the last few months, I have been focusing on developing and recording my own original music, exploring my artistic voice from my Afro-Cuban roots and jazz background. This work represents an important new chapter in my journey, and my music will be available soon on all major digital platforms.
Beyond performance, I’m deeply interested in education and mentorship, using both my musical background and my studies in accounting to help younger musicians develop not only artistically, but also professionally. I think that what sets me apart is my ongoing effort to move between different waters like tradition and innovation and performance and education, while staying connected to my cultural roots and a strong sense of purpose.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would say that success, for me, is being able to keep moving forward without losing myself in the process. I think success isn’t just about awards or recognition, but about growth, balance, and staying grounded. It’s about making music that feels honest, continuing to learn every day, and being able to support my family while inspiring others through my journey. If I can do what I love, stay connected to my roots, and help open doors for others along the way, that’s success to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: francosaxcuba
