“Sir, how times change,” says Otto Ortiz at the beginning of his latest TikTok video, in that humorous tone that defines him. The Cuban comedian, now living outside of Cuba, used his recent experiences to offer a humorous reflection on the energy crisis affecting the island.
"In the past, a Cuban would travel and the first thing they would do is eat and drink. Now that I've left Cuba, the first thing I did was to indulge in some kilowatts," he laughs, referring to how dazzled he is by the lights and neon signs of the place he’s in. "I'm surrounded by kilowatts, it’s amazing, brother," he adds.
The video, titled "When a Cuban Travels," has already garnered over 8,500 likes and hundreds of comments that blend laughter with the bitter reality of blackouts in Cuba. "Now you're a being of light, hahaha," commented one user, while another added, "When you come back, you're going to light up the neighborhood." There were also those who highlighted the contrast between life outside Cuba and the situation on the island: "That's how normal countries are: electricity, water, food, medicine... We live in an abnormal country."
Ortiz's satire highlights an issue that affects millions of Cubans: the energy crisis. For months, citizens have been dealing with widespread and constant blackouts that impact daily life, work, and even health. Otto's humorous references, such as "full of light" or "give me one more kilowatt," not only elicited laughter but also prompted reflections on what it means to emerge from darkness, both literally and metaphorically.
Although Otto avoids mentioning his exact location, many users joked about it: “You’re in Cancun, aren’t you?” or “We already know where you are, Uncle Kilowatt.” One thing is certain: his humor remains a lifeline for many Cubans facing these daily challenges. Amid the laughter, one user remarked, “Whoever touches Otto now will get electrocuted.”
With videos like this, Otto Ortiz demonstrates that humor can be a powerful tool for addressing harsh realities. Amid jokes and laughter, his "kilowatt overdose" reflects the longing of Cubans for a life with the essentials: light, stability, and well-being.
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