A Cuban musician and former member of the orchestra Bamboleo lives on the streets of Miami and sent a message to the group's director, Lazarito Valdés, who announced that he will be staying in the United States with his family.
Daniel José Camarín, known as El Toki, sleeps on some cardboard under a bridge in Downtown Miami, in a parking lot that he works hard to keep clean.
"This is the work that 'El Güiro de oro de Cuba' does; I’m not ashamed for it to be seen publicly," he said in a video shared on TikTok by the user Conducta.
"Even though I'm homeless, I like to keep the environment and the place tidy so that I feel clean, because even if one doesn't have the best conditions, at least one can feel blessed, clean, and organized," she stated.
Daniel, who arrived in the United States in March 2020 after working for six years at Bamboleo, said he does not understand what issue Lázaro Valdés has with him and accused him of launching a campaign against him to prevent other musicians in the U.S. from hiring him.
"Lazarito has been devoted to this campaign, to blocking me and closing doors, and there are many musicians who know what I'm talking about," he stated.
"The time has come for you to take your stance. I am open to having a dialogue with you, very peacefully. What I need is for you to tell me to my face, man to man, what I've done to you. You've been bringing that heat on me from Cuba," he added.
In another video, El Toki reported that he has been having issues with the authorities after the governor of Florida prohibited sleeping in parks, on sidewalks, and in other public spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Former Members of Bamboleo in Miami
Who is Daniel José Camarín and what is his current situation?
Daniel José Camarín, known as El Toki, is a former member of the Cuban orchestra Bamboleo who currently lives on the streets of Miami. He arrived in the United States in March 2020 and has reported facing difficulties in finding work, allegedly due to a campaign against him by Lazarito Valdés, the director of Bamboleo.
What message did El Toki send to Lazarito Valdés?
In a video shared on social media, El Toki requested a peaceful dialogue with Lazarito Valdés to understand what issues he has with him and why, as he claims, he is blocking his opportunities in the U.S. music industry.
Why did Lazarito Valdés decide to stay in the United States?
Lazarito Valdés decided to stay in the United States due to the economic and social challenges faced by musicians in Cuba. In his statements, he has noted that the situation on the island is unsustainable for artists, which hinders their professional and personal development.
How does the Florida law affect homeless individuals like El Toki?
Florida law prohibits sleeping in parks, on sidewalks, and in other public spaces, which has created issues for El Toki with local authorities. This legislation further complicates the situation for homeless individuals seeking shelter in public areas.
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