Crazy for Cucu

The vivacious Cucu Diamantes celebrates her debut solo album.

by Victor Barreiro

You may know her from the work she did with Cuban funk group Yerba Buena, but now Cucu Diamantes is adding solo artist to her list of accomplishments, thanks to the recent release of Cuculand, which has already hit a high note with critics. The sexy Cubana chatted with us just before getting back into the swing of things in the recording studio. We cover everything from gay marriage to what she has in common with famous transsexual Amanda Lepore.

FRONTIERS IN L.A.: Congrats on the upcoming release of your debut solo album, Cuculand. Cuenta me.

CUCU DIAMANTES: I am so excited. We will be releasing it on Aug. 4 via Tommy Boy Records.

You say your songs are like theater pieces. How so?

When you are acting in the theater, there is so much drama that just comes and feels natural. Performing the songs for me is the same thing. My songs truly are like theater pieces.

What’s it feel like to have your music praised by so many critics, including fellow Latino, Perez Hilton?

I did this record with so much love and had so much fun doing it. Of course, we all have expectations, but I really wasn’t thinking about that sort of thing. After being in Yerba Buena for nine years ... I was floored when I found out that Perez knew who I was. I had no clue that he followed my music career. I was really impressed.

Tell us about the California Plaza Watercourt Grand Performances Series on July 17.

If you’ve been broken hearted, come for a good time. Find yourself a new boyfriend or girlfriend. [Laughs].

You have a huge gay following. Tell me your thoughts on the fact that same-sex marriage is still not legal in California.

To hear that is so stupid, especially in the times that we are living now. We should keep fighting for it. I was raised by my grandmother and my gay aunt. I told her that she always showed me so much love that her sexual preference was never an issue. I will always support this cause. We have to learn to be tolerant.

I read that you’ve go-go danced, as a man, with Amanda Lepore and Sophia Lamar. How did that happen?

We did a show together and had so much fun that Sophia asked me to join her and Amanda on another project, but there was a catch. Sophia told me that for the promoters to hire me, I had to say that I was her brother and I came in a boat from Cuba and that my breasts were thanks to some hormone injections. We had a blast! They are still some of my best friends to this day.

More info: myspace.com/cucudiamantes