The Cuban rapper Jorge Lian García Díaz, known by his stage name Kamankola, dedicated a somber poem to the Cuban reality this Tuesday, marked by its rawness and symbolic weight.
“The Cuba I Left,” the artist expressed on Facebook, where he shared an image, one side featuring a photo of himself at the Hermita de la Caridad in Miami, and on the other side the text of the poem.
"Cuba, island of the dead / Island of cries and hunger / Piece of land and blood / Of sorrows and deserts..." the poem begins, which in just a few lines denounces everyday despair, mass exodus, and the repression of affection in a country that, according to the author, has lost the ability to dream, and even to love.
“Dreams that wake up / Despair and forgetfulness / A sea that steals the heartbeat / Of another life that is fading away / And a love that will not come / Because to love is forbidden,” continues the text that summarizes the pain, absence, forced exile, and the emotional burden of living – or ceasing to live – in Cuba.
The closing lines of the poem are particularly powerful: “And a love that will not come / Because love is forbidden,” just a few words that transcend sentimentality to become a denouncement, a metaphor for a Cuba where affection, emotional freedom, and full expression are constantly repressed.
The rapper Kamankola, who has gained the respect of Cuban artists in exile, frequently uses his social media to denounce the issues afflicting the island.
Years ago, he shared with his followers some verses in which he warned about pressing issues of Cuban reality, making it clear that no one believed in the old discourse of change in the country anymore, because those who needed to be changed were the political leaders in power, particularly Miguel Díaz-Canel, whom he labeled as the current dictator.
In a post made on International Women's Day, the rapper expressed that there was nothing to celebrate in Cuba.
She did it through a poem filled with social and political denunciation, in which she advocated for the freedom of imprisoned women, the end of violence, and the right to live and love without fear.
"When they release the prisoners. / When the deaths come to an end. / When the danger you sense / does not shatter in what you kiss. / When it is you, and not 'them'. / When love is absolute. / When you are more than a minute / and Cuba stops burning. / International Women’s Day / will no longer be in mourning. Nothing to celebrate… Much to reclaim,” she expressed.
On the occasion of the Christmas celebration in Cuba, Kamankola once again raised his voice through poetry to reflect, with starkness and lyricism, the despair of the population in the face of a reality marked by scarcity, social pain, and repression.
"A pile of trapped youths, / a pile of single mothers. / There’s no bread, but there are lines. / There’s no meat, but there are bones. / Kisses spill tears, / Exile and escape grow. / The living die in their lifetime. / The dead bear their sorrow. / This is how the holy night goes / on an island with no way out."
Frequently Asked Questions about Kamankola and his poem about Cuban reality
Who is Kamankola and why is he known?
Kamankola is the stage name of Cuban rapper Jorge Lian García Díaz. He is known for using his music and poetry to denounce the social and political situation in Cuba, tackling issues such as repression, exile, and the shortages on the island.
What themes does Kamankola address in his poem about Cuba?
In his poem, Kamankola addresses daily despair, mass exodus, and the repression of emotions in Cuba. He denounces a reality where the ability to dream and love is suppressed, reflecting the pain and absence in the current Cuban context.
How has Kamankola used social media to express his complaints?
Kamankola uses his social media to share his poetry and music, serving as a platform to denounce injustices in Cuba. He has shared verses and direct criticisms of the Cuban regime, including mentions of President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
What is the impact of Kamankola's poetry on the Cuban community?
Kamankola's poetry has resonated deeply within the Cuban community, both on the island and abroad. His verses are seen as a voice of resistance and hope, inspiring many to reflect on the political and social situation in Cuba.
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