Los Zafiros (The Sapphires) were a Cuban close-harmony vocal group working … Read Full Bio ↴Los Zafiros (The Sapphires) were a Cuban close-harmony vocal group working from 1961–1970. The group was part of the filín (feeling) movement, inspired by American doo-wop groups such as The Platters. Their music was a fusion of Cuban genres, such as the bolero, with doo-wop, ballads, R&B, calypso, Bossa Nova and rock.

Los Zafiros were formed in Cayo Hueso, Havana in 1961, by Néstor Milí Bustillo, with the members:

* Leoncio Morúa (Kike)
* Miguel Cancio (Miguelito)
* Ignacio Elejalde, a counter-tenor, in high register.
* Eduardo Elio Hernández (El Chino)
* Néstor Milí Bustillo, musical director and guitar.

* later, Manuel Galbán (guitar) became musical director, and at times Oscar Aguirre (guitar) substituted.
* In 1987 another group formed as Los Nuevos Zafiros.

The group was highly successful from the start, with high record sales and popular tours at home and abroad. However, some members of the group were self-destructive and undisciplined, with heavy drinking and other activities. Two died young: Ignacio died in 1981 at the age of 37 from a brain hemorrhage. Kike died in 1983 from cirrhosis of the liver. El Chino, beset by vision, speech and drinking problems, lived alone in Cayo Hueso until his death on 8 August 1995 at age 56. Today only two members are alive, Manuel Galban and Miguel Cancio. Cancio lives in Miami,

Manuel Galbán and his wife still live in the same house in Havana as in the heyday of Los Zafiros. He is still active on the Cuban music scene through his work in The Buena Vista Social Club and as a recording artist for World Circuit records. In 2001, World Circuit arranged a special recording session for Galbán and Cancio at EGREM. Along with Orlando Lopez (Cachaito), Roberto Garcia and Bernardo Garcia (Chori), Cancio and Galbán recorded two of their old songs. This session plays a central role in the film and marks the first time that Galbán and Cancio recorded together in over thirty years.

Bossa Cubana
Los Zafiros Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sabadabadaba
Papapapada
Bossa nova, ven
Cubanita primorosa
Juguetona y deliciosa
Bossa cubana
Cuando asoma en la mañana
Tu sonrisa de La Habana

Bossa cubana
Con tu suave movimiento
Tan ligero como el viento
Bossa cubana
Que me excita y me fascina
Que me lleva y me domina
Bossa cubana
Como noche luminosa
De esta tierra tan hermosa
Bossa cubana
Como el beso de una moza
Coquetona y amorosa
Bossa cubana
Hay sabor y melodía
Tiene fuego y alegría
Bossa cubana

Tiene un ritmo que arrebate
Esta samba que me llega al corazón

Overall Meaning

The song "Bossa Cubana" by Los Záfiros starts with gibberish syllables, which can only be described as an expression of joy and elation. The song's lyrics are an ode to the Cuban girl and the Bossa Nova music genre. The song praises the beauty and playfulness of the Cuban girl, whom he describes as "juguetona y deliciosa" (playful and delicious). The lyrics then move to the main subject of the song, Bossa Nova, which the singer describes as a Cubanized version of the Brazilian genre. The song's narrator speaks of the Bossa Nova's smooth movement, which is light as air and excites and fascinates him. The song reaches a climax when the singer compares the Bossa Nova to a luminous night in Cuba and a kiss from a coquettish and loving woman.

The song's lyrics express the deep love that the people of Cuba have for music, especially the Bossa Nova genre, which originated in Brazil but enjoyed widespread popularity in Cuba in the 1950s and 1960s. The song's fusion of the two Latin American cultures, Brazilian and Cuban, creates a unique sound that evokes the happiness and joyousness of the Caribbean. The song's fast-paced beats and lyrics perfectly capture the spirit of Cuba's vibrant cultural scene.

Line by Line Meaning

Sabadabadaba
A meaningless yet catchy phrase intended to introduce the song and grab the listener's attention.

Papapapada
Another meaningless but rhythmic phrase meant to keep the listener engaged and interested in the song.

Bossa nova, ven
Invitation to the listener to embrace and enjoy the Bossa Nova music style – a genre with roots in Brazil and influence in Cuban music.

Cubanita primorosa
Referring to a lovely and charming Cuban girl, highlighting the beauty and grace of Cuban women.

Juguetona y deliciosa
Describing the girl as playful and attractive, with a delightful personality and physical features.

Bossa cubana
Repeating the song's title to emphasize the musical style and its influence in Cuban music.

Cuando asoma en la mañana
When in the morning appears, describing the girl's smile as a refreshing and joyful start to the day.

Tu sonrisa de La Habana
The girl's smile compared to the happiness and warmth associated with the Cuban capital, La Habana.

Con tu suave movimiento
Describing the girl's graceful and fluid movements, possibly while dancing or walking.

Tan ligero como el viento
As light as the wind, highlighting the girl's effortless and natural charm and grace.

Que me excita y me fascina
Expressing the listener's emotions towards the girl - finding her enticing, alluring and captivating.

Que me lleva y me domina
Describing how the girl's charm and beauty overwhelms and dominates the listener's thoughts and emotions.

Como noche luminosa
Comparing the Bossa Cubana to a bright and shining night, referring to its joyful and lively nature.

De esta tierra tan hermosa
Referring to the beauty and attractiveness of Cuba and its culture.

Como el beso de una moza
Comparing the Bossa Cubana to a romantic and tantalizing kiss from a woman, conveying its sensuality and charm.

Coquetona y amorosa
Describing the girl as flirtatious yet loving, highlighting her irresistible and joyful personality.

Hay sabor y melodía
Indicating that the Bossa Cubana has flavor and melody, emphasizing its musical richness and joyfulness.

Tiene fuego y alegría
Suggesting that the Bossa Cubana has passion and happiness, conveying the positive and lively emotions it evokes in listeners.

Tiene un ritmo que arrebate
Emphasizing how the Bossa Cubana's rhythm is captivating and contagious, overwhelming listeners with its charm and musical energy.

Esta samba que me llega al corazón
Expressing the listener's emotional connection with the Bossa Cubana, emphasizing how its lively and joyful rhythm has touched their heart.

Writer(s): luis chaniveky, luis chanivesky

Contributed by Nora F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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