Q 01/05

In which Havana neighbourhood was Celia Cruz born in 1925?

A) Santos Suarez

B) El Vedado

C) Old Havana

D) Miramar

Answer · why

A) Santos Suarez

Santos Suarez was the poor Havana district where young Cruz had the job of singing the household's smaller children to sleep; by her account, neighbou...

Q 02/05

What one-word catchphrase did Celia Cruz famously shout on stage?

A) Sabor!

B) Azucar!

C) Candela!

D) Dale!

Answer · why

B) Azucar!

Azucar! means 'sugar': Cruz traced it to a Miami restaurant where a waiter asked if she took sugar in her coffee, and she scolded him that a Cuban sho...

Q 03/05

Which flamboyant accessory became Celia Cruz's stage trademark?

A) Feathered headdresses

B) Jewelled turbans

C) Brightly coloured wigs

D) Elbow-length gloves

Answer · why

C) Brightly coloured wigs

Brightly coloured wigs became her trademark from the early 1980s, when stylist Ruth Sanchez began working with her, and she wore one to the last: a go...

Q 04/05

With which famous Cuban group did Celia Cruz sing for fifteen years, from 1950 to 1965?

A) Los Van Van

B) Buena Vista Social Club

C) Orquesta Aragon

D) Sonora Matancera

Answer · why

D) Sonora Matancera

Sonora Matancera's public did not take to her at first as a replacement singer, Cruz recalled, but listeners warmed to her voice and she stayed for fi...

Q 05/05

Which instrument did Pedro Knight, Celia Cruz's husband of 41 years, play in the band where they met?

A) Trumpet

B) Trombone

C) Congas

D) Double bass

Answer · why

A) Trumpet

Trumpet was Pedro Knight's instrument until he gave up his own place in the band to manage and direct his wife's career, staying beside her on stage f...