The Cuban reggaeton artists Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 decided to reschedule their performance in Santiago de Cuba, originally planned for July 26, amid the "celebrations" of the Cuban regime for National Rebellion Day, following a wave of criticism over their participation in the festivities organized by the dictatorship.
The controversy arose when it was confirmed that both artists would share the stage with Juan Guillermo Almeida, known as JG and son of the late commander Juan Almeida Bosque, during the Santiago carnivals, an event promoted by the Cuban authorities as part of the official commemoration.
However, as reported by journalist Yosmany Mayeta on social media, the singers changed their performance at the last minute and will now close the so-called "Rumbón Mayor" on Sunday, July 27, on the same stage at the Alameda where they were scheduled to appear alongside JG. This decision seems to be an attempt to distance themselves from the official image of the event and mitigate the discontent caused by their presence alongside figures directly connected to power.
Reprogramming has been interpreted by some as a strategy to calm the waters after the "embarrassment" of having been, in the words of Mayeta himself, "used as artistic bait for Caribbean communism."
Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13, based in Miami, have faced harsh criticism from the Cuban exile community, not only for holding concerts on the island —which necessarily implies the regime's approval— but for doing so in the context of July 26, a date laden with political symbolism for the government and rejected by large sectors of the diaspora.
In a country suffocated by an unprecedented economic crisis, with shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and endless blackouts, the regime's celebration of carnivals not only incites outrage but is also seen as a cynical mockery of the daily suffering of millions of Cubans.
While the people survive in precarious conditions, the government spares no resources to finance parties and propaganda, and relies on popular entertainment faces to try to clean up its image.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dany Ome, Kevincito El 13, and their relationship with the Cuban regime
Why did Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 reschedule their concert in Santiago de Cuba?
Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 rescheduled their concert following a barrage of criticism for their participation alongside Juan Guillermo Almeida, son of commander Juan Almeida Bosque, during the Santiago carnivals, in the Cuban regime's celebrations for July 26.
What criticisms do Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 face for their concerts in Cuba?
Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 are criticized by the Cuban exile community for performing concerts on the island, as it implies approval of the regime, particularly by doing so in the context of July 26, a date that holds political significance for the government. Their closeness to figures of power and their presence at state events have sparked outrage among their critics.
What is Dany Ome's stance on the criticism regarding his visits to Cuba?
Dany Ome defends his right to visit Cuba and maintain ties with his homeland, arguing that he feels good on the island and that no one prevents him from traveling there. In an interview, he stated that he will visit Cuba whenever he wishes and criticized the double standards of those who attack him for his personal decisions.
How has the audience reacted to Sandro Castro's presence at the concerts of Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13?
The presence of Sandro Castro at the concerts has sparked a wave of criticism on social media. Many view his attendance as a provocation and a reflection of the privileges of the Cuban elite, generating further controversy regarding the relationship between the concerts and the Cuban regime.
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