The renowned Cuban singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez once again spoke about the serious crisis currently facing Cuba, this time with words filled with sorrow and reflection.
In a recent interview with the Chilean newspaper La Tercera, the author of 'El necio' acknowledged that his country is undergoing a profound decline, not only materially but also spiritually.
Rodríguez, who is getting ready to perform new concerts in Chile this September, signed the version of the totalitarian regime of the island, stating that Cuba has been a victim of a "genocidal" blockade.
However, as often happens with the troubadour, he also took a self-critical stance by pointing out that not everything can be attributed to U.S. sanctions. “Although I firmly believe that the blockade has created our greatest difficulties, I am not one to blame it for everything,” he stated.
The 78-year-old musician spoke about "mistakes, political and economic dogmatism" that, along with external pressure, have contributed to the wear and tear of the country and its people. “This has led to a deterioration not only material but also spiritual, which is reflected in the frivolities and apathy of citizens that we deal with on a daily basis,” he lamented.
His statements add to a series of pronouncements in recent months, where he has expressed increasing concern about the loss of national dignity and the massive emigration of young people.
"Various signs suggest that there is a gradual disappearance of the sense of national dignity. I feel it in the daily actions of citizens," he recently wrote on his blog Segunda cita.
Rodríguez's words generated diverse reactions in the Cuban public opinion and among supporters of the government. In March, the head of press for the Presidency responded to his criticisms, but the troubadour has maintained his critical tone, stating that serious mistakes in the management of the country are still being made.
Rodríguez, considered one of the most influential voices of the Cuban Nueva Trova, has expressed on various occasions his displeasure with the Cuban reality, while maintaining a vision of critical commitment. In 2024, he had already stated that he understood the youth who were emigrating from the country and described the internal situation as “terrible.”
The troubadour closed his reflection with a somber yet hopeful message: “These are times when it is not easy to maintain faith. But we must persevere and keep going.”
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