The Cuban urban music singer Luis Alberto Almanza González, better known as El Uniko, responded to those who accuse him of not supporting the cause for Cuba's freedom enough.
“In my moments of glory, when I was at my best in music, there was no artist who defended the freedoms of the Cuban people more than I did. So much so that on July 11, when most artists here remained silent, I was the one who took it to the streets,” he began saying in an Instagram video that responded to a fan's comment stating, “artists who do not support their people fade away.”
The artist lamented that he started receiving this kind of comments when things "began to go badly" for him.
"I decided to undertake a venture, I decided to open a business, and what did the Cubans do? They started calling the inspectors, putting my well-being and that of my children at risk," she said, referring to her food truck business in Miami that faced criticism.
“And it was then that I understood that if there was a freedom that should concern me, it was my own. And I am already free, and that if there was a well-being that should concern me, it was that of my children,” he expressed.
Nevertheless, the artist asserts that if the people of Cuba take to the streets in the future, he will be "100 percent by their side."
"Meanwhile, don't ask me to do for you what you are not capable of doing for yourselves. That's enough, come on," he concluded.
A few years ago, the artist described the Cuban audience as "tragic" and lamented the little support for the music of artists who have spoken about politics and today cannot visit Cuba.
El Uniko stated that after facing public pressure to talk about politics and denounce the situation in Cuba, that same audience was now consuming more music from those on the island than from the singers who could no longer return for having spoken out.
"The most tragic audience in the world is the Cuban one. They pressured artists living outside of Cuba to speak about politics, and now that the situation has heated up, they listen to and support those who live in Cuba more than those who sacrificed the chance to visit and perform on the island," he said.
Last year, El Uniko faced criticism on social media for making a living "selling bread," referring to the food truck he set up in Miami.
The artist responded emphatically to those who demeaned him for “trying to get ahead” in his business, stating that he had children to support “whether through music or selling bread.”
According to his explanation, he had stopped doing concerts because he believed that his work "has value."
"No promoter is going to set a price for me. El Uniko is worth 7,000 dollars, and I’m not going to lower it from there. In the meantime, keep working with Luis Alberto, because here we’re making money and there's no fear of problems or starting from scratch," he said back then.
After this response to his critics, El Uniko received numerous messages of support from Cuban artists such as Andy Vázquez and El Niño y la Verdad.
Frequently Asked Questions about El Uniko and its stance on freedom in Cuba
Why does El Uniko say that he is only interested in his personal freedom?
El Uniko states that after receiving criticism and pressure, especially when starting his business in Miami, he understood that he needed to focus on his own freedom and personal well-being. He also emphasizes that he is already free and that his priority is the well-being of his children. He believes that each individual must fight for their own freedom and well-being, and not rely on the efforts of others.
How has El Uniko responded to the criticism for not supporting the Cuban cause?
El Uniko claims that he defended the freedoms of the Cuban people like no other artist. He points out that he was one of the few artists to speak out on July 11, when the majority remained silent. However, he is now focusing on his personal freedom and not on that of others, until the Cuban people express themselves.
What difficulties has El Uniko faced with its business in Miami?
El Uniko has faced criticism and actions against it, such as being reported to inspectors, while trying to start a food truck business in Miami. These challenges mainly arose from other Cubans, prompting him to rethink his approach and prioritize his personal freedom and that of his family.
What is El Uniko's stance on future demonstrations in Cuba?
El Uniko assures that it will stand with the Cuban people if they decide to demonstrate in the streets in the future. However, until that happens, it does not plan to become actively involved in the cause, emphasizing that it cannot do for others what they are not willing to do for themselves.
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