The song "Mano" by Cuban reggaeton artist Oniel Bebeshito has achieved overwhelming virality on social media and among the Cuban audience, to the extent that it is also being played and danced to in primary school classrooms in Cuba.
The singer himself shared a video in his Instagram stories that shows three girls dressed in primary school uniforms dancing a choreography to the rhythm of this song by Oniel, seemingly in a classroom, while other students and adults watch.
For the artist, it is a matter of popularity and even pride to see how their music reaches younger audiences. But this type of visibility raises another issue: the limits of the content that minors should be exposed to.
What raises concern is not the popularity of the topic or the musical genre that has often been marginalized, but rather the explicit content of the lyrics of this particular song, filled with sexual innuendos, double meanings, and references to women as sexual objects that can hardly be deemed appropriate for a child audience.
The normalization of such expressions among children of such a young age by their parents and teachers raises some questions: What kind of social education is being promoted? Where are the responsible adults who should guide, filter, and protect the environment of minors?
The fact that children in Cuban schools dance to the rhythm of the reparto is not an isolated occurrence. In another video that Bebeshito also shared, even younger children can be seen dancing to the song "Tacto que llegó el reparto" in a primary school in Cuba. At least in this case, the lyrics are not explicitly questionable.
Beyond demonizing a genre or an artist whose music is aimed at an audience that is not children, it is about adults taking responsibility when evaluating what content the little ones consume in all areas of their daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Music of Oniel Bebeshito and Its Impact in Cuba
Is it appropriate for children to listen to and dance to Oniel Bebeshito's songs in Cuban schools?
It is inappropriate for children to listen to songs with explicit lyrics and sexual content in schools. Although Oniel Bebeshito's music is popular among all ages, some of his themes contain sexual innuendos and references that are not suitable for minors. It is the responsibility of adults, such as parents and teachers, to supervise the content children are exposed to.
Why is Oniel Bebeshito's music so popular in Cuba and beyond?
The music of Oniel Bebeshito is popular for its catchy rhythm and ability to connect with various generations. Songs like "Tacto que llegó el reparto" have crossed borders and gone viral on platforms like TikTok, where people of all ages enjoy dancing to them. Additionally, the artist maintains a close connection with his audience, which contributes to his success.
What responsibility do adults have in exposing children to music with explicit content?
Adults have the responsibility to filter and guide the content to which minors are exposed. It is essential for parents and educators to evaluate what types of music and messages are appropriate for children, ensuring that the content they consume does not have a negative impact on their development and values.
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