Cuban officialist musicians have come together in a controversial song that glorifies life with blackouts and wood-burning stoves in Cuba, appealing to the tired narrative of a country facing adversity and claiming to have “reasons to carry on.”
Written by Arnaldo Rodríguez, a prominent defender of the Castro regime, "Aquí no hay marcha atrás" reiterates concepts that are typically part of communist propaganda, such as "unity," "sovereignty," and "pride in being Cuban."
The guest artists include Mayito Rivera, Osdalgia Lesmes, the improviser Roly Avalos, the tres player and singer Yarima Blanco, the Entrevoces Choir, the group Rumba All Star, and the Habana Steel Band.
The song also recalls some natural phenomena that occurred this year, such as cyclones and earthquakes, the consequences of which the population still suffers due to the regime's ineffective management.
The ruler Díaz-Canel expressed his gratitude to "the dedicated musicians who sing of heroism" in a post on his X account.
"And to the AHS for their inspiring 'The New Year Dawn'. That is the Cuba of 2025, proudly defiant and united. Invincible. Go viral," he wrote.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Song "Aquí no hay marcha atrás" and the Situation in Cuba
What is the song "Aquí no hay marcha atrás" and why is it controversial?
"Here, there is no turning back" is a song written by Arnaldo Rodríguez that celebrates life in Cuba, highlighting experiences such as power outages and wood-burning stoves. The song has sparked controversy for reiterating communist propaganda concepts like "unity" and "sovereignty," while the country is grappling with a severe energy and economic crisis.
Who participates in the song "Aquí no hay marcha atrás"?
The song features several official Cuban artists, including Mayito Rivera, Osdalgia Lesmes, Roly Avalos, as well as other groups such as Coro Entrevoces and the Habana Steel Band.
How has the Cuban population responded to the message of the song?
The population has reacted with skepticism and discontent, criticizing the disconnection between the message and the reality that Cubans face, which is marked by blackouts, shortages, and a severe economic crisis. Many interpret the song as an attempt at propaganda that ignores the genuine needs of the people.
What has Díaz-Canel said about the song "Aquí no hay marcha atrás"?
Díaz-Canel thanked the musicians for singing about "heroism" in their song, describing it as a reflection of Cuba in 2025—proudly defiant and united. His support reinforces the perception that the government uses these artistic expressions to promote its official rhetoric.
How does the song relate to the current situation in Cuba?
The song is released in the context of a deep energy and economic crisis in Cuba, where blackouts and scarcity of resources are part of daily life. Despite the claims of resilience and unity promoted in the song, the reality is that many Cubans feel their situation is only getting worse.
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