In a recent interview with broadcaster Enrique Santos, the Cuban salsa artist Willy Chirino reacted to some remarks made by the late Cuban reggaeton artist El Taiger and acknowledged that he was one of the few artists who truly understood his way of thinking and acting.
The statements from El Taiger, highlighted by Enrique Santos during the conversation, demonstrate the deep respect the reggaeton artist had for the salsa musician: "The tranka is up there. That's a true guajiro*, that's one of the blessings, one of the ashé that Cuba has, Willy Chirino is an ashé for Cuba".
He has shared with all of us, even with everything that is said about us, because he knows that maybe some of us are not doing the right thing, or perhaps some of us are not acting correctly, but we are in the right place, to do the right thing and to go on doing the right thing, and he knows it and in some way he is passing the baton to you so that you continue his work, so that you carry on what he did, so that it doesn't all remain in a song,” El Taiger had said.
"I understood that; at that moment it really opened my eyes. I remember I said to him, 'Long live a free Cuba!', and he replied, 'Long live a free Cuba, and may God bless America!'. Despite the hatred and all the things we have always been told, this country is a great place. We are in a democratic country, and we learn about democracy", asserted the reggaeton artist.
After hearing El Taiger's words, Willy Chirino added: “Perhaps I am the only one who has fully absorbed my way of thinking and my approach to Cuban artists. From the very beginning, I opened my home to all those artists, all of them; I didn't care about their political mindset. I welcomed them into my home because I wanted to talk to them, for them to know about me and for me to learn about them, what motivated them, and for them to understand that we, referring to the exile community in general, are not the image that has been sold to them of us.”
El Taiger's words, filled with admiration, deeply moved Chirino, who has been a strong voice in favor of Cuba's freedom from exile for decades. For him, the gesture from the reggaeton artist represents a generational connection that transcends musical genres and individual stances.
Frequently Asked Questions about the relationship between Willy Chirino and El Taiger
What did El Taiger think about Willy Chirino?
El Taiger expressed great respect and admiration for Willy Chirino, considering him a blessing for Cuba and a key figure in Cuban music. In his words, El Taiger acknowledged Chirino as someone who opened his home and heart to all Cuban artists, regardless of their political beliefs.
How did Willy Chirino react to El Taiger's words?
Willy Chirino was deeply moved by El Taiger's words, stating that El Taiger was perhaps the only Cuban artist who fully understood his way of thinking and acting. Chirino appreciated the reggaeton artist's gesture as a generational connection that transcends musical genres.
What is Willy Chirino's stance on politics and the Cuban exile?
Willy Chirino is a strong voice in favor of Cuba's freedom from exile. He has been critical of the Cuban regime and has defended his right to express himself freely, which has generated both support and controversy, especially regarding his statements on immigration in the United States.
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