The amazing transformation of Alex Cuba can be linked to a chance visit to Victoria's Value Village. Or so he says.

One day, while browsing in the thrift emporium, Cuba found a garment that changed his life. "We saw these flared jeans, you know, in the men's area," the 37-year-old singer-songwriter said. "My wife said, 'Try these.' I put them on and loved them. Something happened there."

Cuba, a.k.a. Alex Puentes, never stopped wearing flared jeans. (Not the same pair, just the style.) And when he plays Lucky Bar tonight, those who haven't seen the him for a while might be amazed by his large, Hendrix-like Afro.

All joking aside, Cuba (his stage name) says he has now discovered his true identity -- both fashion-wise and musically -- since arriving in Canada from his native Cuba 13 years ago. While living in Victoria for four years, he was half of the popular Puente Brothers. Formed with his fraternal twin, Adonis, the band's sound was rooted in the clave-driven rhythms of their homeland.

While the pair enjoyed working together, Cuba says traditional Cuban music was never his first love -- or for that matter, his brother's.

In Canada, the brothers literally banded together for the purposes of expediency ("maybe to protect each other by being together," Cuba admits). The partnership was successful, even earning them a Juno nomination. But ultimately the duo split to pursue different musical interests.

Those who caught Cuba's fiery 40-minute set in Victoria last February opening for Angélique Kidjo were likely impressed by his Latin-flavoured jazz and pop. What particularly stood out was Cuba's light, husky tenor -- well-suited to the joyousness of his music.

Now based in Smithers with his family, Cuba is enjoying tangible success as a solo artist. His album Humo De Tabaco earned a 2006 Juno Award. A single from that disc (a duet with Ron Sexsmith titled Lo Mismo Que Yo) reached Top 10 on BBC radio.

In April, Cuba won yet another Juno in the world music category for his Spanish-language disc, Agua Del Pozo (Well Water), recorded in Victoria.

Cuba's sound is flavoured by the music of his homeland, and by his father, Valentin Puentes, a distinguished music teacher.

"When you look at me, you see this whole mix of times and styles," Cuba said. "It only makes sense when I open my mouth and play, I think."