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Cuban singer-songwriter Raúl Torres expressed his disappointment and discontent after visiting the Museum of Cuban Music and discovering that there is no reference to his work in the institution.
Through a social media post, the musician expressed his frustration over what he sees as an unfair omission of his legacy within the country’s music scene.
Torres recounted that, about fifteen days ago, he visited the museum with a group of friends. As he walked through its halls, he was impressed by the quality of the exhibition, the cleanliness, and the meticulous timeline of Cuban musical history.
However, upon reaching the section on trova, his enthusiasm turned to disappointment upon noticing that his name was nowhere to be found. "Not a photo, not a memory, not a mention," he wrote.
He noted that the museum guides hardly recognized him, and that one of them even asked who he was. "This fact has been a harsh setback for me," the musician admitted.
Torres stated that he does not expect apologies or reparations, but the experience has led him to a deep reflection on his career and his position within Cuban culture. He mentioned that, in the past, he considered donating to the museum the guitar with which he composed his song dedicated to Fidel Castro, but he has now decided to give it to his family.
"I always knew that radicalizing my thoughts and expressing my views would bring me problems, but I never imagined they would reach this extreme," wrote the musician.
He added that he found it paradoxical to see other artists represented in the museum who, according to him, have criticized the Cuban government, while his work was ignored. However, he acknowledged that these musicians also have the right to be featured for their artistic quality.
Torres, known for his loyalty to the government, has generated controversy in the past due to his political stance and admiration for Fidel Castro. In 2024, he reappeared on social media with a message urging the regime to "change everything that must be changed", in an apparent attempt at a veiled criticism of the State's management.
On that occasion, he asserted that the people "need a deep action to save their project," while expressing his concern over the growing disaffection of many artists towards the system. He accused social media of "bombarding with manipulated propaganda" and influencing the change in mindset of many of his colleagues.
Raúl Torres has been a controversial figure in Cuban music, especially due to his song "Cabalgando con Fidel," a propaganda piece that generated strong criticism both inside and outside the island.
The episode of his omission from the Cuban Music Museum seems to have prompted him to reconsider certain aspects of his career and his relationship with the country's cultural institutions.
"This is a call for reflection, not only for myself but also for those who have the responsibility to preserve and honor our musical history," he concluded in his message.
Frequently asked questions about Raúl Torres' omission from the Cuban Music Museum
Why is Raúl Torres disappointed with the Cuban Music Museum?
Raúl Torres is disappointed because, during his visit to the Museum of Cuban Music, he discovered that there was no reference to his work. He feels that his omission in the museum is unfair and a significant setback for his musical legacy in Cuba. He expressed his frustration through social media, noting that he was not acknowledged by the museum guides and reflecting on his position in Cuban culture.
What has been Raúl Torres' political stance and how has it influenced his career?
Raúl Torres has been known for his loyalty to the Cuban government, although he has sparked controversy for his veiled criticisms of the regime. In 2024, he urged the regime to "change everything that must be changed." This stance has brought him problems, but it has also led him to reflect on his career and his relationship with cultural institutions in Cuba.
What reactions has Raúl Torres' criticism of the Cuban Music Museum provoked?
Raúl Torres' critique of the museum has highlighted the tensions between artists who support the regime and those who criticize it. His omission has been seen as a reflection of the divisions within the Cuban cultural landscape, where some artists are ignored or censored for their political positions. Torres has emphasized the paradox of his exclusion in contrast to other critical artists who are indeed represented.
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