Carlos Varela (singer-songwriter)

This article is about the singer. For other uses, see Carlos Varela.
In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Varela and the second or maternal family name is Cerezo.
Carlos Varela
Varela at the Miami International Film Festival presentation of The Poet of Havana
Varela at the Miami International Film Festival presentation of The Poet of Havana
Background information
OriginHavana, Cuba
GenresNueva Trova

Carlos Victoriano Varela Cerezo (born 11 April 1963) is a renowned Cuban singer-songwriter of Nueva Trova, a musical genre characterized by poetic and political themes. Emerging as a response to the unjust conditions that led to the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Nueva Trova emphasizes social commentary and activism. Varela joined the Nueva Trova movement in the 1980s, during his 20s. He has earned the nickname ("cariño" in Spanish) of "Nomo" (Gnome), due to his distinctive style of dressing.