A recently released video shows Lieutenant Colonel Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as El Cangrejo and the grandson of dictator Raúl Castro, dancing in the front row during a concert by reggaeton artists Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 in Santiago de Cuba, under heavy police surveillance and in a restricted-access environment.
The images, shared by the independent communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, were captured during the show held on the main stage of the political-cultural project “Todo X Santiago” on Sunday, July 27, in the Santiago Alameda, as part of the “Rumbón Mayor” that closed the 2025 Carnival.
The video shows El Cangrejo, son of the late General Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja and Déborah Castro Espín, dancing and enjoying the concert alongside figures like Juan Guillermo Almeida (JG), son of Commander Juan Almeida Bosque, all protected by escorts from the Ministry of the Interior, while the people can barely breathe under the weight of the crisis.
The reports from Mayeta indicate that the event took place under strict State surveillance, with cameras and security personnel restricting access to the area where the dictator's grandson was located.
"While the people are imposed with censorship, repression, and blackouts, the grandchildren of power revel to the rhythm of reggaeton on fortified stages," criticized the communicator.
The participation of Cangrejo adds to the controversy already surrounding urban artists due to their initial association with a concert promoted by Almeida. Although Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 tried to distance themselves from the official event by rescheduling their performance, they ended up closing the festive day organized by the regime to commemorate July 26.
Social contrast was another of the most highlighted aspects. “Under the protection of state security and in a city where many families remain in the dark due to blackouts, the urban duo sings for a select audience,” wrote Mayeta.
"The music plays, yes... but the echoes of indignation do as well. Santiago does not forget that forced joy does not erase the darkness that surrounds him," concluded the communicator.
This is not the first time that El Cangrejo has appeared at high-profile parties or concerts. In 2017, he was filmed in Varadero dancing alongside Gente de Zona wearing a personalized shirt with his nickname.
Now, he reignites popular outrage by resurfacing in a Cuba plunged into shortages, a lack of medicines, blackouts, and despair.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Controversy Surrounding the Concert by El Cangrejo and Dany Ome in Cuba
Who is El Cangrejo and why does his presence at concerts in Cuba generate controversy?
The Crab is the alias of Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of General Raúl Castro. His presence at concerts generates controversy because, while he enjoys musical events under heavy state security, the Cuban population is facing a severe economic crisis and restrictions. This contrasts with the hardships and oppression experienced by the Cuban people, fueling criticism of the privileges of the ruling elite.
Why did Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 try to distance themselves from the official event in Cuba?
Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 tried to distance themselves from the official event by rescheduling their performance to avoid coinciding with the event promoted by Juan Guillermo Almeida, son of Commander Almeida Bosque. This decision came after receiving criticism for their participation in a concert associated with the Cuban regime, thereby seeking to break away from the official image and avoid the discomfort caused by their connection to figures of power in Cuba.
How does the economic crisis in Cuba affect cultural events like concerts?
The economic crisis in Cuba significantly impacts cultural events, limiting access and quality due to resource shortages and frequent blackouts. While the government organizes celebrations such as carnivals, the populace faces daily hardships such as a lack of food and medicine, which generates outrage and criticism regarding the use of resources for festive events instead of addressing basic needs.
What is the public's opinion on the presence of figures close to the regime at music events in Cuba?
The presence of figures close to the regime at musical events is viewed with disdain and outrage by many Cubans. The general perception is that these events are a showcase of the privileges of the elite in contrast to the hardships faced by the people. Images of characters like El Cangrejo enjoying luxuries while the majority confronts restrictions and shortages reinforce the perception of inequality and generate criticism both inside and outside Cuba.
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