At this time of year, when the congas begin to appear in the city of Santiago de Cuba, a popular tradition emerges that goes beyond mere celebration.
These groups, in their parades as a prelude to the Rumbón Mayor or carnival, improvise coritos that spontaneously express the social discontent of the citizens.
This year, the iconic conga Paso Franco moved through the city's streets to the rhythm of a chorus that has become a rallying cry: “¡Súbelo Mayeta!” chanted by crowds as they progressed amidst drums and beats.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared a video of the massive conga on his Facebook account this Sunday, accompanied by a defiant message: “Although it hurts those who complain the most from the party leadership in Santiago de Cuba, here’s ‘Súbelo Mayeta’ for a while.”
He thanked the support of the people of Santiago who "still, despite the censorship, follow me wherever I go," and asserted that this popular expression is already "the cry of discontent of an entire nation."
In recent months, “¡Súbelo Mayeta!” has become a symbol of protest and resilience against the regime, referring to the critical work that the communicator carries out through his social media.
In 2024, the symbol of protest “Súbelo Mayeta,” which gathers complaints from the people of Santiago de Cuba sent to the independent journalist and has become a popular hashtag on social media, took a further step by transforming into a protest conga.
Additionally, that same year, Lico Wayne and Tino Mán, two representatives of urban music in Santiago de Cuba, were summoned to the Police Station "La Motorizada" and threatened with reprisals if they decided to shoot the music video for their song “Súbelo Mayeta”, a desire they had expressed earlier.
Similarly, the music producer Asdrúbal Reyna, known in Santiago de Cuba for his collaboration with various street artists under the label “Guetto Music,” was detained and taken to the Santiago police unit known as La Motorizada, due to his involvement in the production of the song “Súbelo Mayeta”.
Frequently Asked Questions about the conga and social discontent in Santiago de Cuba
What does the slogan “¡Súbelo Mayeta!” mean in the conga of Santiago de Cuba?
“Súbelo Mayeta!” is an expression of protest and resistance against the Cuban regime, popularized by the independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta. This slogan has become a symbol of discontent among the people of Santiago and is chanted at cultural events such as the conga, which reflect the social unrest in the region.
What is the impact of the congas on the expression of social discontent in Cuba?
The congas are a space to express social discontent in Cuba, especially in Santiago de Cuba. Through chants and slogans, citizens express their dissatisfaction with living conditions and the regime, becoming a form of cultural protest and a tool for popular resistance.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to these cultural protest manifestations?
The Cuban regime often minimizes or suppresses these manifestations of social discontent, labeling them as part of an enemy strategy. Despite this, citizens continue to use these cultural expressions to highlight their grievances and advocate for change on the island.
What role does journalist Yosmany Mayeta play in reporting the situation in Santiago de Cuba?
Yosmany Mayeta is an independent journalist who denounces living conditions in Santiago de Cuba, using his social media to share truthful information about the situation in the city. His work has been recognized and supported by the community, making him a reference point for civic resistance.
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