The official singer-songwriter Raúl Torres defended the alleged existence of freedom of expression in Cuba, after facing harsh criticism for his previous publication where he questioned the operation of the Museum of Music in Havana.
In a message posted on his Facebook profile, the troubadour stated that in Cuba, one can express opinions freely, citing his own experience as an example.
I demonstrated to you that there is indeed freedom of expression here, I confronted a museum from my Facebook wall and you didn't see it, he replied to an anonymous interlocutor, in what he described as a “public response to a private message.”
Raúl Torres stated that even Cuban artists living in Miami, who are critics of the regime, continue to be showcased in official Cuban institutions.
There are works in the same [museum] by artists who currently live in Miami and continue to speak out against our government, and they are displayed there because their works are essential to our culture, and that is respected.
To support his claim, the troubadour asserted that he has been the target of attacks on social media, even from fellow musicians.
I was criticized without mercy by colleagues from the same profession... even a loud, boozy, bearded loudmouth (with a countdown, of course) fell into their trap and opened fire on me.
Torres also referred to opposition pages where, as he stated, he is openly insulted. “Even a page where Cuban discontent has created its oasis of insults in the desert imposed by my overflow,” he expressed.
In another passage of the text, the author of "Cabalgando con Fidel" compared the treatment received by official music in exile to the tolerance within Cuba towards artists like Willy Chirino, an icon of the Cuban exile.
"I remember that time of Willy Chirino's CD that became iconic in many neighborhoods of my city... I still walk by places and hear that album blaring. Now, play a song by Silvio in Little Havana in Miami, just watch!!! Or by Buena Fe or Arnaldo and his Talismán... Play one of mine!"
Torres concluded his Facebook message with this phrase: “Freedom of expression? Oh, hold on there, old man! And homeland or death, just so you know”.
An official voice of the regime
Raúl Torres has been a central figure in the cultural propaganda of the Cuban regime in recent years. On August 13, he released a new song titled “I Am for Fidel”, to mark the 99th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth.
The piece, performed alongside singer Vania Borges, is an elegiac song that reminisces about the dictator as a guide and paternal figure. In one of its verses, it says: “Fidelity will always remain with us, how we miss you, dad.”
The new social media post by the troubadour aims to maintain the narrative that dissent in Cuba can occur without consequences, despite the fact that numerous artists, journalists, and citizens have been repressed, silenced, or imprisoned for expressing opinions contrary to the regime.
In 2021, his song “Homeland or Death for Life” was rated by Google as the worst song of the year, which sparked a wave of criticism and mockery on social media. Rather than distance himself from the backlash, Torres increasingly reaffirms his role as a cultural spokesperson for the so-called communist “continuity.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Freedom of Expression in Cuba According to Raúl Torres
Does Raúl Torres claim that there is freedom of expression in Cuba?
Raúl Torres asserts that there is freedom of expression in Cuba, citing the criticisms he has received on social media and his ability to publicly question the Museum of Music in Havana through Facebook as examples.
How does Raúl Torres justify the existence of freedom of expression in Cuba?
Torres argues that his ability to openly criticize institutions and receive attacks from his colleagues is proof of freedom of expression in Cuba. He also mentions that works by Cuban artists who are critical of the regime are displayed in official institutions, which, according to him, demonstrates cultural tolerance.
What is the general perception of freedom of expression in Cuba?
Despite Raúl Torres' claims, numerous artists, journalists, and citizens have been repressed, silenced, or imprisoned in Cuba for expressing opinions contrary to the regime. The general perception is that there is significant repression of freedom of expression on the island.
What role does Raúl Torres play in the cultural propaganda of the Cuban regime?
Raúl Torres is a central figure in the cultural propaganda of the regime. He has composed songs in honor of Fidel Castro and other leftist leaders, reinforcing his role as a cultural spokesperson for the communist "continuity" in Cuba, despite the criticism and mockery he has faced.
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