By Javier L. Orellana

April 30, 2008 -- Singer/songwriter Alex Cuba is an Afro-sporting, bellbottom-wearing Gibson-guitar-toting musical master. And trying to box his music into one category is tricky. But one thing's sure: From the moment you hear the first note, you'll fall in love with Cuba's untamed voice. Even if you don't understand a lick of what he's saying, you'll feel him.

Born in 1974 as Alexis Puente in Artemisa, Cuba (an hour from Havana), he started learning guitar at 4 years old from his father, Valentín, and later picked up the bass at the tender age of 14.

By 16, he was composing his own songs.

Cuba says he finds creative inspiration everywhere he goes.

"Someone may walk by me or I might hear a car horn with a funny melody and that sparks a song," he says. "I just let it come to me and I connect with that higher power . . . when the connection is made, the creativity flows."

In 1999, Cuba immigrated to Canada. After playing in a band and releasing a CD with his brother Adonis he decided to work on his own project, which eventually became his debut solo album, "Humo de Tobaco."

That CD made Cuba a hit in Canada and earned him his first Juno Award (Canada's Grammy).

Now with his second album, "Agua del Pozo," and another Juno Award, Cuba's music is gaining traction in the US.

His song "Agua Del Pozo" has been named iTunes Latino single of the week.

"I've been told that many first- and second-generation US-born Latinos are really touched by my music," he says.

Cuba will play a live gig in the Big Apple on May 9, be the first time in 2 years that he's performed here.

"It is an incredible city . . . I feel I owe New York City more of my presence - and a great show," he says.