The Sarzo siblings join Jizzy Pearl, Ruben Martinez, Robin Diaz, Claudette Lyons and producer Danny Saber in bringing Gianluca Zanna's freedom-themed composition to life
Zanna Records has unveiled "Cuba Libre Rising," a fresh rendition of a track that first emerged from a dream and stayed in the shadows for over twenty years. Penned by Gianluca Zanna, this piece serves as a tribute to exile, liberty, and the unbreakable spirit of Cuba. It has been accessible since Aug. 20 across Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal, and other significant digital outlets.
The recording took place on July 27 at Clear Lake Recording Studio, assembling a distinguished group of musicians who share an intimate link to the song's subject matter. Havana-born siblings Rudy Sarzo, handling bass, and Robert Sarzo, contributing guitar and percussion, left Cuba as youngsters in 1961 prior to forging celebrated paths in rock music. Their extensive resumes include stints with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Quiet Riot, Dio, and Hurricane. On a composition referencing their native land, the brothers offer more than instrumental skill—they carry their own experiences. Jizzy Pearl, frontman of Love/Hate, splits lead vocals with Ruben Martinez, the original voice behind the track and the child of Cuban refugees. Robin Diaz (known for work with Candlebox, Hole, P.O.D., Live) provides the rhythmic backbone on drums and percussion, while Claudette Lyons contributes supporting vocals. Overseeing production is Danny Saber, whose portfolio features collaborations with The Rolling Stones, U2, David Bowie, Michael Hutchence, and Black Grape.
Origins of a Dream
The roots of "Cuba Libre" stretch back well before the 2026 session. Zanna initially heard its melody in a vision populated by imagery of Cuban streets, demonstrations, undernourished children, and state-sanctioned brutality. He awakened in the night and composed both music and lyrics, even though his awareness of Cuba's plight was minimal then. In 2005, he laid down the initial version alongside Martinez, and then held onto the project, anticipating the ideal timing and collaborators to bring his vision to full fruition.
"Having Rudy and Robert Sarzo—two individuals who genuinely experienced the exile this song describes—perform on 'Cuba Libre,' with Danny Saber handling production and Ruben returning to sing the track he originally brought to life, is more than I could have ever imagined," Zanna remarked. "Certain things aren't orchestrated by you. Fate orchestrates them for you." The 2005 recording later found its way organically to TikTok, where Cuban activists embraced it, which ultimately prompted the choice to rework the song.
In Memoriam
"Cuba Libre Rising" honors the Cuban population still pursuing liberty and pays tribute to the late Cuban-born actor Tomás Milián. Zanna, who spent his childhood in a state-run boarding school in Rome dreaming of reaching America, recalls Milián's Maresciallo Giraldi persona and Roman dialect as a source of solace in those years—another artist of Cuban origin who discovered his voice away from his homeland.
Session and Launch Information
Songwriting: Gianluca Zanna. Production: Danny Saber. Executive production: Gianluca Zanna. Bass: Rudy Sarzo. Guitar and percussion: Robert Sarzo. Lead vocals: Jizzy Pearl and Ruben Martinez. Backing vocals: Claudette Lyons. Drums and percussion: Robin Diaz. Engineering: Eric Milos. Original 2005 arrangements: Simone Sello.
The project features "Cuba Libre Rising (Official Version)" and "Cuba Libre Rising (Radio Edit)," in addition to the "Cuba Libre" Andrei Murariu Remix and the "Cuba Libre Rising" Danny Saber Remix. A documentary-style video from the studio, shot by Agency 32, supports the rollout.
About Zanna Records
Zanna Records operates as an independent label founded and managed by Gianluca Zanna, free from major-label support. Performing under the name Luca in the EDM duo Luca and Claudette with vocalist Claudette Lyons, the Rome-born, Arizona-based songwriter has developed a diverse catalog spanning EDM, rock, and classical genres. The label has confirmed verified radio airplay on over 500 stations across 99 countries and territories spanning six continents. Zanna's YouTube presence exceeds 43 million total views with 50,000 subscribers, while his YouTube Music channel reaches 1.58 million listeners each month. Additional details can be found at www.zannarecords.com.
RJ Sarzo
Agency 32 PR
RJ@Agency32inc.com
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Cuba Libre Rising – An anthem dedicated to every Cuban in pursuit of liberty by Gianluca Zanna
