"Being Cuban cannot be explained; being Cuban is something you feel." With these words, the Cuban singer Majela Dueñas, who lives in Gran Canaria, opened her heart in a video that has managed to touch and move thousands of people both on the Island and abroad.
In the video shared on her TikTok profile @majela.duenas, she reflects with a mix of nostalgia and pain on what it means to be Cuban: "It’s the strong taste of coffee in the morning, the laughter of your friends on a street corner, the stories your grandmother used to tell you while cooking. And knowing that all of that now only lives in your memory." She also adds: "It’s learning to walk without having your people by your side, without hearing your mom’s voice telling you that everything will be okay. It’s going through your first birthday alone, softly singing 'happy birthday' to yourself because no one else knows it’s your day. It’s a Christmas where the table feels empty because, even though it’s full of food, voices are missing, the laughter, the hugs of those who were always there."
This message, filled with truth and emotion, resonated deeply with those who have experienced exile, sparking a wave of reactions. "My mother passed away yesterday in Cuba, and here I am in Spain working... I couldn't even say goodbye or bury her. When you leave Cuba, you can't imagine everything you are giving up," wrote a user, reflecting one of the greatest sorrows of those far away. Another commented: "We are scattered all over the world, longing for our land, our people, our traditions, even the stale bread of Pánfilo."
Some, from the pride of Cuban identity, highlighted the uniqueness of their culture: "Being Cuban is the best thing in the world, where from a chicken quarter we feed four or even six"; "No place is like Cuba. You miss the humor, the streets, and the spontaneous things." For others, Majela's message sparked a wave of nostalgia. "What you say is so true. It's like looking at the stars and wondering if someone over there is thinking of you too"; "The reality of being Cuban hurts a lot, but it makes us strong."
Even people from other countries were moved by his words. A Colombian commented, "I am Colombian, but Cubans make me feel Cuban. I admire them so much." Others confessed their own struggles with distance and important dates: "What you said about Christmas is so real. You made me cry; it's so hard to spend these days away from your family"; "Being Cuban is a wound that never heals... it hurts so much to be away."
For Majela, who lives with her husband in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, these reactions are more than just comments; they are a testament that her message resonated deeply with those who share that experience. "Cubans are among the strongest beings I know," she replied in one of the comments, making it clear that her words aim to create an emotional bridge between those who are far away and their homeland.
Majela not only connects with her audience through emotional messages but also through her music. Educated at Cuban institutions such as the EPA Samuel Feijoo and the Provincial Center for Artistic Education (CPEA), she and her husband José Manuel Rodríguez form the duo JOMA, which recently made its television debut on Canary Islands TV presenting their single "Soy de volar," a song that was created when they began their relationship after being friends.
From afar, Majela continues to create a space to share what it means to be Cuban, not only through her art but also with words that reflect an identity that, as she herself says, "is not explained, it is felt."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Identity and Immigration
What does it mean to "be Cuban" according to Majela Dueñas?
Being Cuban, according to Majela Dueñas, is a feeling that goes beyond words. In her reflection, she highlights everyday elements and emotions that are part of Cuban identity, such as the taste of coffee in the mornings, the laughter of friends, and family stories. It is also the challenge of living away from family and the pain of absences on important dates.
Why does Majela Dueñas' message resonate so much with Cubans abroad?
Majela Dueñas' message resonates deeply because it reflects the emotional reality of many Cubans living in exile. Her words touch the hearts of those who have experienced separation and nostalgia for their homeland and their people. The reflection on the small things missed when leaving Cuba connects with the shared experience of the Cuban diaspora.
How does music influence the connection of Cubans to their cultural identity?
Music is a bridge that keeps the connection of Cubans with their cultural identity alive. Artists like Majela Dueñas use their music to express their Cuban identity and emotionally connect with their audience. Music is not only an artistic expression but also a way to keep roots and cultural traditions alive, especially for those who live far from their homeland.
What role do social media play for Cubans living abroad?
Social media is a fundamental channel for Cubans abroad to maintain contact with their roots and share their experiences. Platforms like TikTok allow emigrants to share reflections, memories, and emotions, creating a virtual community that offers support and understanding. These digital spaces help mitigate feelings of isolation by keeping the cultural and familial connection alive.
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