Musicians from Irakere in Africa brought percussion to Cuba

There is also a question mark over the attendance of Cuban musicians like Valdes - who is nominated with the acclaimed jazz-outfit Irakere.

"It's a shame, because music is a universal language, it's not Esperanto, it's music and it belongs to everyone," Valdes said after playing at Havana's Hotel Nacional.

The 59-year-old who has been playing piano since the age of three, said he is anxious to put the protests to one side and attend.

"We have to fight to support culture," said Valdes who already has two Grammy Awards for his innovative work in Latin jazz.

This year he is nominated with Irakere for best pop album by a duo and best Latin jazz album.

Omara Portuondo of the Buena Vista Social Club is also nominated

A concert by Irakere In West Palm Beach, 65 miles north of Miami, has had to be cancelled due to the threat of protests.

Other Cuban nominees include pop artist Andr�s Al�n, salsa singer Isaac Delgado, singer Omara Portuondo of the Buena Vista Social Club group, country artist Celina Gonz�lez, Afro-Cuban music singer Lazaro Ross and salsa band All Stars group.

All the artists have been cleared to travel by Cuban authorities, and are now awaiting entry visas from the US Government.

Valdes did not want to comment on the decision of Cuban exiles Gloria Estefan and her music-producer husband Emilio not to attend the Los Angeles ceremony.

But he said: "I think we should all be in this: those who live on the island and those who live outside it, because we make culture and art is a universal language."