On more than one occasion, Lenier Mesa has spoken about the criticism he received in the past for his trip to Cuba with Tekashi 6ix9ine and insists that he is an artist and does not care about political matters.
In a recent interview for Chisme con Flow Noticias, the singer and songwriter was asked if he would agree to perform on the island if invited, and he did not shy away from the response.
“I understand that in Cuba, for you to be allowed to enter, those people have to let you in because they are the owners (...) I have nothing to do with Cuba or the Cuban government, or anything like that,” said Lenier.
In his words, he added that the ones who benefit the most from change in Cuba are the Cuban artists because there are 10 million people on the island who could support them as fans and according to him, the artists coming from Cuba are starving in Miami precisely because they lack that audience who could contribute to their royalties or pay for their concerts.
“I am an artist who works and makes his money. I have nothing to do with the government of Cuba and I don't care about the government of Cuba; I want the government of Cuba to change. But if tomorrow I get paid to sing a concert in Cuba, in China, in Japan, I live off music, the issue is that there is a lot of poverty in Cuba and I am not going to sing there because there is no money,” the singer stated.
However, he made it clear that if he is offered 200 thousand dollars "of course I'm going to sing in Cuba", or anywhere in the world, because he doesn't get anything for free and lives off music.
"Now, for a ridiculous amount of money I will sing in Cuba, I know that in Cuba there is none and there is a lot of poverty. One day Cuba will change, one day that government will leave and we will come in to put on good shows and beautiful things for that lovely audience, when that audience can pay us 100 dollars, 200 dollars for a ticket to one of our concerts, then we will perform great concerts in Cuba," Lenier emphasized.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lenier Mesa and His Stance on Singing in Cuba
Is Lenier Mesa willing to sing in Cuba if they're given the opportunity?
Lenier Mesa stated that he would perform in Cuba if offered 200 thousand dollars, as he is an artist who makes a living from music and has no ties to the Cuban government. However, he noted that the poverty on the island prevents profitable concerts for artists from taking place at this time.
What is Lenier Mesa's opinion on the Cuban government?
Lenier Mesa has expressed his desire for the Cuban government to change, as he believes this would benefit Cuban artists, who could gain the support of a larger audience on the island. He desires a change in the government of Cuba, but clarifies that his professional decisions are based on his music career and not on political issues.
Why has Lenier Mesa been criticized for his stance on Cuba?
Lenier Mesa has been criticized by certain sectors of the Cuban exile community due to his views considered ambiguous towards the Cuban regime. His trips to Cuba and his statements have sparked controversy, especially among those who believe that his position reflects a double standard for criticizing the government from abroad while remaining open to job opportunities on the island.
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