The prominent writer, poet, and Cuban improviser Alexis Díaz-Pimienta spoke out in defense of reggaeton and called for greater collaboration with artists of the genre because he believes that could improve the quality of the lyrics.
Díaz-Pimienta is probably the only Cuban who has participated in the international project "Aprendemos Juntos 2030," promoted by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (BBVA). During the talk, he showcased his skills in improvisation and shared several techniques for language and creativity development.
However, one of the topics that caught the audience's attention the most was his defense of reggaeton. This genre is very controversial because of the lyrics it uses, which are often labeled as rude, sexist, and misogynistic.
"It is a social phenomenon and we cannot look the other way. It is a rhythm that activates the basal ganglia, a part of the brain directly connected to pleasure and movement, that is why it is danced all over the world," he commented.
He drew a parallel with poets from other eras who address topics of sex or scatological themes in their creations, and are studied in universities without anyone blushing.
"I don't want to make a defense of what has happened in the phenomenon of reggaeton at the level of lyrics, but an invitation that, if we are not in agreement, satisfied, or pleased, let's take advantage that it is a rhythm that reaches so many millions of young people and that they will continue to dance to it, and let's change the linguistic landscape," he said.
The writer explained that while observing the musical tastes of his students in a "Poetic Improvisation" course, he understood the need to take a different look at urban genre, song lyrics, and got down to work by putting together a study program on "Intelligent Reggaeton."
"It is a music that generates an unavoidable bodily energy. It is a genre that has had a very curious evolution that goes from censorship on the radio, to prohibitions of dancing it," he commented, highlighting that despite the challenges, no means of communication or government has been able to stop reggaeton.
Díaz-Pimienta asked writers, producers, and musicians for more responsibility in the creation of songs and a broader perspective to promote working with urban genre and Latin pop artists more broadly.
"Let's not leave the space empty, let's collaborate to have better lyrics in the genre," said the poet and pointed out that misogyny, machismo, and vulgarity exist in many music genres, not just reggaeton.
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