The Cuban rapper Yotuel Romero, a member of the group Orishas, couldn't hold back his tears during his performance at the Rototom Sunsplash festival in Benicàssim, Castellón de la Plana, Spain.
The most intense moment of the night came when he performed “Homeland and Life”, the anthem of protest that marked the historic demonstrations of July 2021 in Cuba.
According to a report by El Periódico Mediterráneo, Yotuel raised the Cuban flag in front of thousands of attendees while repeating: “For a free Cuba, for a free Venezuela, for a free Palestine.”
The emotion was so intense that he couldn't finish the song and let the audience chant the verses: “My people demand freedom, no more doctrines. Let's no longer shout homeland or death but rather homeland and life.”
Among those in attendance were dozens of Cubans wearing T-shirts and waving flags, who jumped and sang along with the artist. "It was very emotional; Yotuel couldn't finish singing due to his emotions, moving us all," a young Cuban told the Spanish media.
The power of the moment was also reflected on social media. Colombian DJ Javier Álvarez shared images with Yotuel and emphasized what it meant to reunite with Orishas: “They taught me to sing from the heart, I don't sing just to sing, I sing to avoid crying.”
Released in 2021, "Patria y Vida" became a rallying cry for freedom in contrast to the official slogan "Patria o Muerte." The song brought together Yotuel, Descemer Bueno, Maykel Osorbo, El Funky, and Gente de Zona, and accompanied the largest protests in Cuba in over six decades. Today, it continues to resonate as a cry of resistance and hope among Cubans both on and off the island.
A festival with a social commitment
The 30th edition of the Rototom Sunsplash brought together over 218,000 people from 111 countries, establishing itself as one of the largest reggae festivals in the world.
With the slogan Celebrating Life, the event combined concerts and cultural activities with a strong social commitment: discussions on Gaza, climate emergency, and interculturality, along with collective actions in support of Palestine.
The lineup included international figures such as Shaggy, Burning Spear, Koffee, Julian, and Ky-Mani Marley, as well as the Cuban group Orishas, who added the most emotional touch of the night.
Frequently Asked Questions about "Patria y Vida" and the Movement for Freedom in Cuba
What is the song "Patria y Vida" and why is it significant?
"Patria y Vida" is a protest song that became an anthem for the demonstrations in Cuba in July 2021. Created by Yotuel Romero, Descemer Bueno, Maykel Osorbo, El Funky, and Gente de Zona, the song directly challenges the Cuban government's official slogan "Patria o Muerte" and has become a symbol of resistance and hope for Cubans both on the island and abroad.
How did Yotuel Romero react during his performance of "Patria y Vida" at the Rototom festival?
During his performance at the Rototom Sunsplash festival, Yotuel Romero was moved to tears while singing "Patria y Vida." He couldn't finish the song due to the emotion and let the audience sing the lines that call for freedom and change for Cuba. This moment reflected the profound emotional connection that the song has with Cubans who desire change on the island.
What impact has "Patria y Vida" had on the fight for freedom in Cuba?
"Patria y Vida" has had a significant impact on the movement for freedom in Cuba. It has not only served as a protest anthem, but it has also kept the flame of change alive, inspiring thousands of Cubans to raise their voices against the regime. The song and its message have transcended borders, resonating with Cubans in exile and drawing international attention to the situation on the island.
What has been the Cuban regime's response to the song "Patria y Vida"?
The Cuban regime has responded to "Patria y Vida" with censorship and repression. The song has been banned in Cuba, and some of its creators, like Maykel Osorbo, have faced arrests and political persecution. This highlights the government's fear of the growing dissent and the power of music as a tool for social change.
Filed under: