Argelia Pera: I have lived for the profession, not of the profession

Camagüey, 6 Jun.- Algeria's voice is painstakingly recognized. It is one of those sound presences that have accompanied generations of Cubans for decades from Radio Reloj, the station that gives the time. But she is also a woman with gentle gestures and deep look, who has learned to be where it matters, without making noise.

At the age of 73, with more than half a century dedicated to the speech and just a month after receiving the National Prize of Radio 2025, Algeria Pera came to Camagüey to participate in the XXXVI National Festival of Cuban Radio. We found it at a recess of the theoretical event, held at the Santa Cecilia Convention Center, and we took the opportunity to talk.

We are glad that it comes within the context of the National Radio Festival. Spiritually what do you think you keep or shouldn't lose this date?

These festivals are very important, because they are a form of learning. They allow contact between colleagues from all over the island, something that is not given every day. In these exchanges you learn a lot: I learn from what you do, you learn from what I do. I think they have very good fruits. This edition, number thirty-six, I love it. We have to fight to keep these spaces.

One of the themes of the event has been artificial intelligence. What do you think about it?

I think you have to see well what it applies to, because the human is very much needed. For example, in a novel, the narrator is a key piece, and there I don't conceive artificial intelligence. You have to put your heart on, and that heart is human. Nor in strong news, like what is happening in the Gaza Strip, I see it appropriate. Now, if it's about announcing that tickets for a show are already available, it may be. There are things where maybe I do, but in others, in my view, it wouldn't be good.

Thanks to the radio, you are a well-known and dear Cuban. What does the radio in your life represent today?

It's my life. I started on television, where I spent several years, and in 1990 I started on the radio. More than 50 years dedicated to the speech. It's the profession I chose. My dad, Antonio Pera, was also a great radiologist, and always told me that in this it had to be highlighted, that it was not for the bobery, that it could not be of the pile. I listened to him. I've had very good teachers. I've given you my sweetheart, my delivery. I have always been clear that you have to live for the profession, not the profession. And I'll still be in this while I can.

Do you keep any special memories of Camagüey?

Of course I do. From here I have endearing friends. Céspedes Hernandez, for example, was a Radio Reloj announcer whom I Loved very much. He was the one who read the call for the strike on April 9. I had the joy of working with him on Radio Clock for a long time. Josefa Bracero, too. She once told me: "You go for a station where people love what they do and each other love each other." And Caesar Arredondo, a star of the speech. They're big people who have marked my life. From all of them I've learned a little bit.

And so, with gratitude and conviction, Algeria Pera continues to be one of the great voices of Cuban radio. His story is also that of a medium that, in times of noise and screens, continues to find in human heat its raison d'etre. (Text and photo: Adelante Digital)