The music producer Roberto Ferrante, CEO of Planet Records, sparked a buzz on social media after posting a message directed at Oniel Bebeshito, in which he describes him as “the greatest Cuban artist of all time,” surpassing legends like Benny Moré and Celia Cruz.
The statement came after the concert that the reggaeton artist held last Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami, where he sold out all the tickets and gathered thousands of fans. In a WhatsApp chat screenshot, Ferrante congratulates the singer on the success of the previous night and asserts that his greatness surpasses that of historical figures in Cuban music.
Alongside the image, the producer wrote a text in Spanish, Italian, and English in which he anticipated the controversy it would generate: “I know that criticism will pour in now, but I care little about it. I feel the need to publicly express what I think of this artist of mine: a bit rebellious, but undoubtedly visionary and historic”.
The post sparked a flood of comments, many of which were critical of the comparison. Among the most common reactions, users called for respect towards historical figures: “What a lack of respect for the careers and history of Celia and Benny” or “Bebeshito is very good, but Benny and Celia Cruz are on another level.” Others took a sarcastic tone: “As if he were Michael Jackson” or “Comparing Bebeshito to Celia and Benny is like comparing powdered juice to a 50-year-old aged rum.”
Bebeshito's Reaction
Amid the debate, attention focused on how Bebeshito himself would respond. The artist chose not to make public statements or posts on his social media, but he did leave a gesture that did not go unnoticed: he liked Ferrante's post on Instagram.
That single click was interpreted as a sign of support and gratitude towards their producer. For some, it is a way to show complicity without fully engaging in the controversy.
While Ferrante stands by his statement and the debate continues (loaded with criticism), Bebeshito remains silent, letting a single "like" be his public response to one of the most talked-about and controversial comparisons in Cuban music in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ferrante's Controversial Statement and Bebeshito's Reaction
Why does Roberto Ferrante consider Bebeshito the greatest Cuban artist?
Roberto Ferrante, CEO of Planet Records, stated that Bebeshito is the greatest Cuban artist of all time, surpassing legends like Benny Moré and Celia Cruz. This statement was prompted by Bebeshito's successful concert at the Kaseya Center in Miami, where he sold out all tickets. Ferrante describes Bebeshito as a visionary and historic artist, despite anticipating the criticism he would receive for his claim.
How did Bebeshito react to Ferrante's statements?
Bebeshito did not make any public statements regarding Ferrante's comment, but he "liked" Ferrante's post on Instagram, which many interpreted as a gesture of support and gratitude towards his producer, without directly engaging in the controversy.
What reactions did Ferrante's statements generate on social media?
The publication by Ferrante sparked a flood of critical comments, with many users considering it disrespectful to compare Bebeshito with legends like Celia Cruz and Benny Moré. Some comments emphasized the importance of the cultural legacy of these artists, while others sarcastically addressed the comparison.
What is the difference in popularity between Bebeshito and Celia Cruz on Spotify?
According to Spotify's figures, Celia Cruz has over six million monthly listeners, while Bebeshito is close to reaching 600 thousand. This difference is used by many to challenge the comparison made by Ferrante.
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