Cuban singer Musteerifa surprises with her talent: "Showing that I not only sing in Spanish."

Musteerifa surprises by singing R. Kelly's "When a Woman Loves" in English, showcasing her versatility and talent beyond the Cuban cast. The video goes viral, receiving praise and suggesting an exploration of R&B.


Yaira Mustelier Laime, known as Musteerifa, has earned a place in the Cuban music scene thanks to her talent and unmistakable voice. A regular in urban beats and street performances, the young artist surprised everyone this time with an unexpected twist: she posted a video on Instagram covering the classic "When a Woman Loves" by American artist R. Kelly. She delivered it with power, emotion, and a commitment that left many in awe.

The video went viral in no time. Within hours, the comments started to multiply. “Heyyy, that song is loved by my husband and I’m amazed at how he sings it to me,” said one excited fan. Another affectionately dubbed her “our Whitney Houston of reggaeton”. What surprised everyone was not just the language, but the way Musteerifa defended the ballad: with a heartfelt performance that moved even those who follow her for her more street-style flow.

“Showing that I not only sing in Spanish, there is very good music besides our Cuban cast,” she wrote while sharing the clip. And the applause was immediate. “There’s no shortage of talent,” “This girl sings with her throat, her stomach, and her pharynx... and I won’t argue about it with anyone,” “You have to make a song in English already, you’re ready.” The praise did not only come from Cuba: many suggested she explore genres like R&B and to keep dreaming big. “In the future, I see you with Grammys,” a follower wrote to her.

As is often the case on social media, there was also room for jokes and spontaneous comments. “Take it easy with the filters,” “I saw your filling on the second-to-last molar,” “You could sing it without the backing track.” Even in the most casual criticisms, respect for her voice and dedication remained. The audience knows how to recognize true talent.

Musteerifa, which has made distribution its foundation, demonstrated that it can break molds without sacrificing its essence. This foray into English was not a mere experiment: it was a clear display of their versatility, artistic ambition, and ability to evoke emotions beyond genres. As one fan aptly stated, “good music never goes out of style.”

With just a few minutes of video, Musteerifa reminded us that Cuban talent does not have to be confined to a single rhythm. While many are already asking for a full song in English, others are very clear: “You don’t have to sing with anyone to prove that you are the best. You are, period.”

Frequently asked questions about Musteerifa and its impact on Cuban music

Why has Musteerifa been compared to Whitney Houston?

Musteerifa was compared to Whitney Houston due to her powerful English rendition of the song "When a Woman Loves" by R. Kelly. Her vocal ability and the emotion conveyed in her performance surprised her followers, who affectionately dubbed her "our Whitney Houston of repartee."

What are the keys to Musteerifa's success in the Cuban music scene?

The success of Musteerifa is due to her vocal talent, authenticity, and decision to avoid vulgar language in her lyrics. This has set her apart in the predominantly male Cuban urban genre, often associated with explicit lyrics. Her ability to connect with the audience and her musical versatility have also been crucial.

How has Musteerifa impacted social media?

Musteerifa has taken social media by storm thanks to her closeness with fans and her talent. Moments like being surprised by her followers singing on the street and her honesty in sharing live mistakes have strengthened her connection with the audience. These episodes have been widely shared, increasing her popularity and influence in Cuban urban music.

What sets Musteerifa apart from other female artists in the Cuban scene?

Musteerifa stands out for her vocal talent, her authentic style, and her rejection of vulgar language in her songs. This has positioned her as a fresh and distinctive figure in the genre, attracting both devoted fans and new listeners who seek meaningful lyrics and vocal quality.

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Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduated in Journalism from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, Spain. Editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.