The Cuban reggaeton artist Dany Ome didn’t hold back and made his stance clear regarding his right to travel to Cuba, in an interview alongside Kevincito El 13 on the podcast Destino Tolk. The artist spoke forcefully about the criticisms that Cuban musicians in exile often receive for returning to the island and sent a direct message to those who question those personal decisions.
“I'm Cuban and I'm going to go to Cuba as many times as I feel like... I'm going to Cuba, I want to sing in Cuba, I want to go to Cuba, I feel good in Cuba, I see my family in Cuba, my grandmother, and I'm going to go as many times as I want,” declared Dany Ome, visibly upset by what he considers a double standard on the issue.
The artist defended his right to maintain ties with his homeland and denounced what he sees as a hypocritical narrative and double standards in certain sectors of the exile community.
"The one who doesn't want to go, I respect that too, but there is a lot of double standards. First, how is it possible that Otaola has more money than my mom just by speaking into a microphone while my mom actually went out into the streets? Second, how is it possible that they go back and forth and I can't go while people here don’t support me? And third, I do what I want, I will go to Cuba whenever I feel like it," he emphasized.
During the conversation, he also spoke about his personal and family experiences, highlighting the role of his mother as a Lady in White, a woman who, according to him, suffered greatly because of her political beliefs on the island.
“There are many people who do have their pain and we respect that pain, but don’t try to control my life or what I do,” she said, affirming her personal and professional autonomy.
Dany Ome emphasized that he feels good when he steps on Cuban soil: "I feel good when I go to Cuba, no one represses me, no one does anything to me."
For his part, Kevincito El 13 explained that he also maintains strong ties with the island. “I have my dad and all my family over there in Cuba,” the young reggaeton artist confessed, supporting his colleague's opinion on the importance of preserving those emotional bonds.
Both artists agreed that the influencer Alexander Otaola's attitude towards Cuba is more driven by economic interests than by sentimental reasons.
"We are here to make music and through that music elevate Cuba and the Cubans," they asserted, making it clear that their mission goes beyond politics: they want to represent their people through art and performance.
Frequently asked questions about Dany Ome's return to Cuba and the criticisms received
Why does Dany Ome defend his right to travel to Cuba?
Dany Ome defends his right to travel to Cuba because he feels good in his home country, where he can see his family, including his grandmother. He expresses that he will visit the island as many times as he wants, emphasizing that these decisions are personal and should not be questioned by others.
What criticisms do Cuban artists face when returning to the island?
Cuban artists returning to the island, such as Dany Ome, often face criticism from the Cuban exile community, which believes that these trips may indirectly support the regime. However, many artists defend their right to maintain connections with their family and homeland, arguing that their travels do not constitute political endorsement.
What is the relationship between Dany Ome and Alexander Otaola?
Dany Ome has had public confrontations with Alexander Otaola, a Cuban presenter known for his controversial statements. Otaola has criticized Dany Ome for traveling to Cuba, while the reggaeton artist has responded in a defiant tone, accusing Otaola of being obsessed with him.
How does politics affect Cuban artists who travel to the island?
Cuban artists often face pressure to politicize their activities, especially when they travel to the island. However, many, like Dany Ome, prefer to focus on their art and maintain a personal connection with their homeland, arguing that not all spaces need to be politicized and that their visits are motivated by personal and family reasons.
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