A group of young Cubans who attended a party in Havana were questioned about their musical preferences, and their responses are anything but indifferent.
Influencer Alfredo Castellanos conducted a brief survey with a single question: Who is the greatest artist that Cuba has produced?
Everyone agreed on mentioning reggaeton artists, with the most cited being Bebeshito, although other names from the urban genre such as Ja Rulay, El Chacal, El Kimi, Wampi, and El Taiger were also mentioned.
None remembered Celia Cruz or Benny Moré; nor Silvio Rodríguez, Pablo Milanés, or Carlos Varela; not even Chucho Valdés, and not even Juan Formel. All of these great figures of national culture were completely overlooked.
In the comments section, many internet users expressed their astonishment and discontent regarding the musical taste of the new generations.
Castellanos himself stated that for him, the greatest of all is Celia Cruz, an opinion echoed by many users.
"With this, we realize that culture in Cuba has gone to hell!" expressed a man.
"Every day we seem to be getting worse in this country, even culturally," lamented a young man.
"What a tremendous lack of culture, so many greats that Cuban music has produced," noted a young woman.
"What a disrespect to Cuban culture. This shows how corrupt the mindset of society is," stated another user.
Interestingly, for Yomil, the greatest artist in Cuba is not a reggaeton artist like himself, but Benny Moré.
In 2022, he went to pay tribute to the Barbarian of Rhythm in his hometown, Santa Isabel de las Lajas, Cienfuegos, "so that the blessing of the greatest of Cuba always accompanies me," he wrote on his Instagram profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Music and the Recognition of Its Artists
Who is considered the greatest artist from Cuba according to young people?
Cuban youth mainly mentioned reggaeton artists, with Bebeshito being the most frequently named. This choice has sparked surprise and criticism, as historical figures like Celia Cruz and Benny Moré were overlooked.
Why is Celia Cruz an important figure in Cuban music?
Celia Cruz is known as the "Queen of Salsa," and her music transcended borders, making her an icon of Latin culture. She was a tireless advocate for the freedom of Cuba, and her legacy remains significant both musically and politically.
What impact does the gender distribution have on contemporary Cuban music?
El reparto is a subgenre of reggaeton that has gained popularity among young Cubans, although it faces criticism for its explicit content. Artists like Bebeshito are prominent representatives of this genre, which continues to spark debate about its cultural value.
How is traditional Cuban music perceived by the new generations?
Traditional Cuban music seems to be losing prominence among the younger generations, who prefer urban genres like reggaeton. This has sparked criticism regarding the lack of recognition for great artists from the past, such as Celia Cruz and Benny Moré, and raises questions about the preservation of Cuban musical culture.
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