"Without David Calzado, Leoni Torres would not have existed": Director of La Charanga Habanera sparks controversy on social media

Recent statements from the director of La Charanga Habanera, David Calzado, have sparked discussions on social media and divided opinions among fans of Cuban music. In an interview granted to the podcast "Solo gente bonita," hosted by YouTuber Jesús Cazorla, Calzado held nothing back when speaking about the renowned singer Leoni Torres, whom he credits for his success due to his time with the group.

“Leoni Torres, I believe he has been the most successful of all the singers who have come through here. He arrived here, imagine, coming from rural life, from the countryside, as we say a guajirito. He did have some talent, but it was still very underdeveloped, and he developed here,” affirmed Calzado.

The leader of La Charanga recalled that it was with the song "Ay amor," accompanied by an animated music video, that Leoni began to shine as a vocalist until he became the lead singer of the group.

However, what stood out the most was his blunt statement: “I saw an interview recently where he went through La Charanga Habanera as if it were something simple, and I was surprised, because I have to say without fear: without David Calzado, Leoni Torres would not have existed.”

The responses to his words were immediate and varied. Some users defended Calzado, acknowledging his role in shaping many Cuban artists: “That’s where he made a name for himself. He owes you a lifetime of gratitude for the opportunity you gave him”; “He’s right about that. Leoni came to the Charanga covered in dirt, and in the Charanga, he became great and developed his talent”; “So much so that I went to one of his concerts recently, and he sang his songs, but people asked for the songs from the Charanga.”

Others, on the other hand, felt that Calzado's statements reflected arrogance or resentment and emphasized Leoni's talent and humility: “And we are grateful, but the cycle of life has played its part”; “What is meant for you, is meant for you, and Leoni Torres shines not just by chance, but because of his place in the world”; “With all due respect to the maestro, but at this point to fall into that, what is happening? Are you resentful or seeking attention, Leoni Torres has always spoken of his time with La Charanga and La Maravilla de Florida with much love, management, and respect”; “Leoni has never spoken poorly of any of his previous musical groups. He acknowledges where he comes from and is loved and celebrated for his great humility and dedication.”

“With the respect that maestro David Calzado deserves, does he believe he is God on earth? I didn’t understand anything. The only thing maestro David wants is to be thanked for a lifetime. Leoni Torres is quite down-to-earth”; “Since Leoni Torres left La Charanga, he has brought his talent to light and is recognized a hundred thousand times more for his songs outside of La Charanga (...) we are grateful to Calzado, but if it weren’t for his natural talent, he would be nobody now like the vast majority of those who are no longer in La Charanga”; “But not everyone who passed through La Charanga has become what Leoni Torres is, so the credit goes not to David but to Leoni's talent,” some internet users also commented.

Leoni Torres, originally from Camagüey, has secured a solid place within the Cuban music scene and among the exile community thanks to his voice, charisma, and great lyrics. He has often spoken about his time with La Maravilla de Florida and La Charanga Habanera, and the role both groups played in his career; but his deepest gratitude, even through music, is for his audience.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Controversy between David Calzado and Leoni Torres