The controversy erupted on social media following the statements made by Planet Records producer, Roberto Ferrante, after the successful concert of Oniel Bebeshito at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Ferrante did not hold back on compliments and, in a post on Instagram that has sparked mixed reactions, stated: “You are the greatest Cuban artist of all time: you are greater than Benny Moré, greater than Celia Cruz, you are the greatest of all, both present and past.”
The words sparked a debate among supporters and detractors, generating thousands of comments. The influencer Cuba Urbano Noticias responded with irony and data in hand: "Ferraaaa, the numbers don't lie, buddy."
According to figures from Spotify, Celia Cruz has over six million monthly listeners, while Oniel Bebeshito is close to reaching 600 thousand. A difference that many consider significant enough to dismiss the comparison.
In the CiberCuba Entertainment post on Facebook, users expressed mixed opinions, ranging from harsh criticism of Ferrante to displays of respect for Bebeshito's work.
Everyone has their own opinion, and I respect that; but if this is true, this man is in very poor mental health. The amount of gray matter he has is minimal, if he has any at all. Regarding Bebeshito, he has earned what he has through constant hard work; his genre has revealed an unprecedented event for his followers and for himself, and his consistency and dedication in his work deserve recognition as an tireless fighter to reach where many have not been able to go, noted an internet user.
Please use common sense and ethics in what you say. It's absurd to compare this guy with the musical geniuses of Celia and El Benny. Although in his context, he has done well; "I don't know anything about music, but an artist needs to achieve international recognition, and only Cubans know Bebeshito, while his music is heard in Cuba and some states in the U.S. There is no comparison with those greats; before Bebeshito, there are many others who have produced international hits like Gente de Zona, Descemer Bueno, and others who are recognized worldwide. He has a long way to go," commented others.
"It's too early to compare him to such unique musicians, even if centuries pass, since life doesn't repeat itself. Although I am a fan of Bebeshito, now with so much success is when his career will truly begin, as long as he remains as he has been: humble, appreciative of his fans, among other qualities. But please don't start comparing him to anyone," requested a fan of the reggaeton artist.
"Mr. Roberto Ferrante, you have no idea what you are claiming, you do not understand music, and you certainly do not know the musical history of my beloved country Cuba. Learn to respect musical history and never compare the queens and kings of Cuban musical history with a contemporary musical prospect or singer from this time, from a genre called reparto. Bebeshito, or any reparto singer, has a long way to go before you, Mr. Ferrante, can compare him to Cuban musical legends," another person retorted.
What is clear is that Ferrante's statements have placed Bebeshito at the center of a debate that goes beyond numbers and reignites the discussion on how to measure an artist's greatness: by their cultural impact, their career and legacy, their success in a specific genre, or their global reach?
Frequently Asked Questions About Roberto Ferrante's Controversial Statement
Why does Roberto Ferrante consider Bebeshito the greatest Cuban artist of all time?
Roberto Ferrante considers Bebeshito to be the greatest Cuban artist of all time because, according to him, Bebeshito is a visionary and historic artist. Despite the criticisms, Ferrante emphasizes the reggaeton artist's success at the Kaseya Center in Miami and his impact on the Cuban urban genre.
How many monthly listeners do Celia Cruz and Bebeshito have on Spotify?
According to Spotify's figures, Celia Cruz has over six million monthly listeners, while Bebeshito is nearing 600 thousand monthly listeners. Many have used this difference to challenge Ferrante's claim about the greatness of Bebeshito.
What do fans of Cuban music think about the comparison between Bebeshito and legends like Celia Cruz and Benny Moré?
Opinions are divided, but the majority of fans believe it is excessive to compare Bebeshito to legends like Celia Cruz and Benny Moré. Many feel that Bebeshito still has a long way to go to reach the status of these historical figures in Cuban music.
How has Bebeshito reacted to the criticisms of Ferrante's statements?
Bebeshito has maintained a calm stance in the face of criticism, focusing on his personal success. He has shared posts on social media that highlight his impact and achievements, without directly addressing the controversial statements.
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