He was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. He began his career in 1977 with the trio MonTRESvideo and later joined the group Baldío. Since 1984, he has developed an extensive solo career, releasing more than fifteen albums. He composes music for films and arranges pieces for various artists. His repertoire has been performed by notable musicians such as Jorge Drexler, Rubén Rada, and Julieta Venegas.

He made his debut in 1977 with the trio MonTRESvideo and joined the group Baldío in 1982. In 1984, he began his solo career, becoming part of the tradition of singular and unrepeatable artists such as Eduardo Mateo and Eduardo Darnauchans, with whom he also collaborated. In addition to his work as a performer, he has worked as an arranger and producer and has performed on both national and international stages. In 2003, he was named Best International Solo Artist by the Argentine edition of Rolling Stone magazine.

In addition to his work as a performer, Cabrera is also known for his role as a producer and composer of film music. His body of work has established him as one of the most important figures in Uruguayan song and a key voice in the music of the Río de la Plata region.