The young artist Haned Mota, son of the renowned Cuban singers Haila María Mompié and Aned Mota, spoke openly about the challenges and advantages of growing up in a family of musicians, during an interview with the program Destino Tolk.
"I have had my advantages in that two or three artists have supported me, for which I am very grateful, but it has been difficult because I have had to carve my own path alone," Haned stated, acknowledging that his last name has opened doors for him, but it has also required him to prove his own talent.
The singer confessed that one of his biggest challenges has been to distance himself from his mother's shadow and establish his own identity within the artistic world: "People have already started to see me as an artist because I have earned it through my work", he expressed.
Although she appreciates the education she received at home, Haned does not hide the fact that the journey has been filled with obstacles. "I have had to deal with a lot of pressure, with many unpleasant things that have happened to my mom", she confessed.
He also pointed out that he has been underestimated by colleagues in the industry: "A lot of people in the field don’t give you credit because they say ‘this kid has everything, he hasn't had to fight for it on his own.’ People don't know the work that goes into it, they don't know that behind Haila's son there is a Haned who came to the United States three years ago to make it on his own."
The political situation has also been a burden for the artist, especially due to the accusations faced by his mother. "Even more so knowing that I was going to move to a country where my mom had experienced those kinds of situations," he noted.
However, not everything has been rejection. Haned revealed that in Miami he has been able to walk with his mother down the street and see how many people come up to ask for a photo.
"I do not understand the hatred that has been stirred up by a couple of people. Haila is an artist with over 25 years of career, and that deserves respect, not to mention her role as a mother; anyone who messes with my mom is in for it.", she stated.
When confronted about his mother singing to Fidel, Haned responded: "Yes, that's true, but in Cuba we all said 'pioneers for communism,' we all were indoctrinated in Cuba. In my home, we talk about music, tours, and projects; we don't talk about politics."
On more than one occasion, the public has expressed disapproval of Haila for her support of the Cuban regime. In July of last year, Cubans protested at her concert in Madrid with a large banner displaying names and photos of political prisoners on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Haned Mota, Haila María Mompié, and Challenges in Cuban Music
What challenges has Haned Mota faced in his music career for being the son of Haila María Mompié?
Haned Mota has faced the challenge of stepping out of her mother's shadow and establishing her own identity in the music scene. Although her last name has opened doors for her, she has also had to showcase her own talent to be recognized as an artist on her own merits.
How has the political situation in Cuba impacted the life of Haned Mota and her family?
The political situation in Cuba has been a burden for Haned Mota, particularly due to the criticisms that her mother, Haila María Mompié, has faced for sympathizing with the Cuban regime. Haned has had to deal with criticism and pressures related to her mother's political stance, which has complicated her path in the music world in Miami.
What is Haned Mota's opinion on the criticism of his mother for singing about Fidel Castro?
Haned Mota believes that the criticism directed at his mother for singing about Fidel Castro is unjust, pointing out that in Cuba, everyone has been politically indoctrinated from a young age. In his home, according to Haned, the main topics of conversation are music, tours, and projects, not politics.
How has Haned Mota's experience in the United States been regarding his musical career?
Haned Mota has emphasized that, despite the challenges, he has found support and recognition for his work in the United States. He has worked hard to pave his own way and has begun to be seen as a established artist on his own merit.
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