Sarzo Brothers Join Cuba exile anthem ‘Cuba Libre Rising’

Zanna Records has released a new version of Gianluca Zanna’s Cuba-themed anthem featuring Cuban-born brothers Rudy and Robert Sarzo, with the song available on major streaming platforms since Aug. 20. The recording ties a personal family exile story to a project aimed at freedom-minded listeners and Cuban activists.

Why it matters: - "Cuba Libre Rising" connects a personal exile story to a broader political message about freedom and Cuban identity. - The release brings together musicians whose family history mirrors the song’s subject, giving the track added emotional weight. - The song is already streaming on major platforms, widening its reach beyond the original 2005 version.

What happened: - Zanna Records released "Cuba Libre Rising" worldwide on Aug. 20. - The new recording features Rudy Sarzo on bass and Robert Sarzo on guitar and percussion. - Jizzy Pearl and Ruben Martinez share lead vocals. - Robin Diaz plays drums and percussion, Claudette Lyons adds background vocals, and Danny Saber produced the track. - The session was recorded July 27 at Clear Lake Recording Studio.

The details: - Gianluca Zanna wrote the song after hearing its melody in a dream filled with Cuban streets, protests, hungry children and government violence. - Zanna woke during the night and wrote the music and lyrics, despite knowing little at the time about the Cuban struggle. - Zanna first recorded the song with Ruben Martinez in 2005. - The original version later resurfaced on TikTok among Cuban activists, which helped drive the decision to revisit the song. - Rudy Sarzo and Robert Sarzo fled Havana as children in 1961 before building careers in rock. - Their credits include work with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Quiet Riot, Dio and Hurricane. - Danny Saber’s credits include The Rolling Stones, U2, David Bowie, Michael Hutchence and Black Grape. - The release includes "Cuba Libre Rising (Official Version)," "Cuba Libre Rising (Radio Edit)," the "Cuba Libre" Andrei Murariu Remix and the "Cuba Libre Rising" Danny Saber Remix. - A behind-the-scenes video from Agency 32 accompanies the release campaign. - The song is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal and other major digital platforms.

Between the lines: - The Sarzo brothers do more than add star power; their family history turns the recording into a lived-experience statement about exile. - Zanna framed the project as something shaped by timing and circumstance, not just studio planning. - The resurfacing of the original recording on social media shows how activist communities can revive older songs and give them new momentum. - The dedication to Cuban-born actor Tomás Milián links the release to another cultural figure associated with life far from home. - Zanna Records is using the release to reinforce its identity as an independent label with a global digital footprint.

What's next: - Zanna Records is continuing the release campaign with the behind-the-scenes video and the remix versions. - The label is directing listeners to more information on its website. - Social channels tied to Gianluca Zanna and Zanna Records are part of the broader promotion effort.

The bottom line: - "Cuba Libre Rising" is both a music release and a statement about exile, memory and Cuban freedom, powered by artists whose personal histories reinforce the song’s message.