The Cuban rapper L Kimii revealed details of his participation in the protests of July 11, 2021, in an interview with Enrique Santos, where he spoke candidly about his experiences in the streets and how he managed to escape the repression.
“That day, all the Cubans were in the street. I was inside Cuba, on the island, when it happened. Many people urged me to go out, and I did. I went out with Yomil and more artists,” recalled the singer, who claims to have done so accompanied by his friends from the neighborhood.
The artist mentioned that he didn't just limit himself to providing support on social media, but was on the front line: “Some did it through a social network, and others didn't use their phones. I went out with my friends from the neighborhood, scarf around my neck and cap on, to demand freedom.”
L Kimii admitted that this gesture could have cost him dearly, but he was lucky. “I got lucky because they didn’t catch me. But do you think I have to go out and say that I was at the protest? No. So I can’t encourage people to go out [in Cuba] when I’m here [in the United States], because when I was there, it happened to me,” he explained, emphasizing that it is very easy to speak from outside of Cuba and encourage others to protest on the island. He even criticized this attitude in some who, from abroad, pressure those on the inside and called for empathy.
In his testimony, he also recalled the price many Cubans paid for speaking out: “There is an exile here and people who were tortured, shot, they went through everything under the dictatorship or the Castro regime, however you want to call it.”
Beyond the wounds left by 11J, L Kimii believes there is a common feeling that unites all Cubans: “The Cuban on the island wants freedom. Both the one on the island and the one outside of it. Even when being outside the island we remain indoctrinated. We are in a free country. I feel that in Miami there is controversy with some differing thoughts.”
The interview generated a wave of positive reactions on YouTube, where users highlighted his authenticity. "That guy earned my respect; I've never seen an interview with him before," commented one user. Others described him as "very coherent," "super prepared," and "the most complete representative of the urban genre," reflecting the sentiment that his voice transcends music and connects with a generation that took to the streets to demand freedom.
Below is the complete interview with L Kimii:
Frequently Asked Questions about the July 11 Protests in Cuba and Their Impact
How did L Kimii participate in the protests of July 11 in Cuba?
L Kimii actively participated in the 11J protests in Cuba, taking to the streets with his neighborhood friends to demand freedom. According to him, he was on the front lines, covered with a bandana and a cap, calling for freedom alongside other artists such as Yomil. His testimony highlights the risk he took by being present at the protest.
What has been the impact of the July 11 protests on the Cuban population?
The protests of July 11 in Cuba have left a strong impact on the population, with hundreds of political prisoners still incarcerated and a widespread feeling of discontent towards the government. L Kimii emphasized in their interview that Cubans, both inside and outside the island, desire freedom. Furthermore, the interviews and testimonies of other artists and exiles reflect the suffering and reprisals that many face for having participated in the demonstrations.
What was the Cuban government's response to the protests on July 11th?
The response of the Cuban government to the protests on July 11 was one of strong repression. The authorities carried out mass arrests and imprisoned numerous protesters. Furthermore, the government attempted to delegitimize the protests, claiming they were organized from abroad, and reinforced its control over the population with repressive measures.
What measures has the international community taken regarding the 11J events in Cuba?
The international community, especially the United States, has strongly condemned the repression in Cuba following the events of July 11th. The U.S. State Department imposed sanctions on Cuban officials, including visa and property restrictions. Additionally, human rights organizations have called for the release of political prisoners, and exiled activists continue to raise their voices to keep global attention on the situation in the island.
Filed under:
