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The urban singer El Uniko launched harsh criticisms on his social media against music producer Dale Pututi and the popular duo Gente de Zona, whom he accused of appropriating the distribution and presenting themselves as leaders of a genre that, he claims, they do not represent.
Through a post on Instagram, the artist defended his career within the movement and questioned why figures with greater international visibility use the aesthetics and name of the scene to promote their music without having been part of its evolution from the Cuban neighborhoods.
"Come on, brother, I don't think I'm more of a repairman than you. The difference is that I am a repairman... you simply are not." You are someone with influence who has managed to surround yourself with those who are. And that’s not bad, but it doesn’t make you part of the movement, he wrote.
The singer also directly pointed out Gente de Zona, whom he referred to as "bosses" of Pututi, and criticized the recent release of their latest album: “You and your bosses Gente de Zona have long been up to no good, you made an album called REPARTO, and you have the right to sing it. But naming it 'REPARTO' while taking advantage of your international influence to sell it as if you were the ambassadors of the genre... that's another matter. That is cultural appropriation, and it becomes more evident when in every interview they say that ‘their reparto is more musical,’ as if that places them above the real reparto, as if what those of us who came from the bottom create has no artistic value. Not only do they wear the medal, but they also belittle the essence of the real reparto.”
El Uniko assured that his words are not directed at the new generations of the genre: “This complaint is not aimed at the new talents of the scene. They deserve respect and have the right to build their own story. My message is for those who have turned their backs on the scene for years and now, only because the genre is profitable, want to sell themselves as its leaders. That is not inspiration. That is opportunism.”
Controversy over Billboard Latin publication
The controversy erupted following a Billboard Latin post recognizing the reparto as a musical movement that originated in the neighborhoods of Cuba. The article included a list of 31 representatives of the genre, including artists who, according to El Uniko and other performers, do not authentically represent the reparto.
In light of the controversy, Dale Pututi responded with a call for unity among Cuban artists and urged to move past internal divisions to celebrate that the cast is finally gaining a space in the international industry.
However, El Uniko made it clear that he is not willing to remain silent when, in his opinion, history is being manipulated and the true origins of the genre are being erased: "The cast has a face, has a struggle, and has a name. The truth always has an owner. And I will not stay silent."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Controversy of Distribution in Cuban Music
Why does El Uniko accuse Gente de Zona and Dale Pututi of cultural appropriation?
El Uniko accuses Gente de Zona and Dale Pututi of cultural appropriation because he believes they have used the aesthetics and the name of the reparto genre to promote their music without having been part of its evolution from the Cuban neighborhoods. According to him, these figures with greater international visibility present themselves as leaders of the reparto, which he sees as opportunistic and a manipulation of the genre's history.
What is the reparto genre and what is its origin?
The reparto genre is an urban musical movement that originated in the neighborhoods of Cuba. It is characterized by its catchy rhythms and lyrics that reflect street life. Recently, it has gained international recognition, as evidenced by the Billboard Latin article that highlights it as an emerging urban expression with global potential.
What has been Dale Pututi's response to the criticism?
Dale Pututi responded to the criticisms by calling for unity among Cuban artists. He advocated for setting aside internal divisions and celebrating that the reparto genre is gaining traction in the international industry, suggesting that the internationalization of the genre is a victory for everyone involved.
How has the Cuban music community reacted to the recognition from Billboard Latin?
The Cuban music community has had mixed reactions to the recognition by Billboard Latin. Some musicians have celebrated the acknowledgment as a validation of the effort and evolution of the reparto genre, while others, such as El Uniko, have questioned the list of selected artists, arguing that some do not truly represent the genre and that other important figures were overlooked.
What stance has Gente de Zona taken regarding the distribution?
Gente de Zona has shown interest in reggaeton as part of their musical evolution. In interviews, they have expressed that they seek to attract their international audience to this Cuban genre, integrating it into their music and collaborating with representatives of reggaeton, which has generated criticism and accusations of opportunism from some artists within the genre.
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