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The Cuban singer-songwriter Amaury Pérez Vidal, a well-known figure of the Nueva Trova movement, reminisced about his friendship with dictator Fidel Castro while receiving the Master of Youths Distinction in Havana, awarded by the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS) in recognition of his artistic career.
During the ceremony, Pérez expressed gratitude to his teachers, colleagues, and family, and recalled central figures from his artistic life, including Silvio Rodríguez, Pablo Milanés, Sara González, and the late historian Eusebio Leal.
However, part of his intervention referred to Fidel Castro as "his friend, the Commander-in-Chief," which drew attention and sparked controversy both inside and outside of Cuba.
“I thought of my later teachers, Frank Fernández, Julián Fernández, my guitar professor, Silvio, Pablo, Sara, José María Vitier, Juan Manuel Ceruto, all my colleagues from the Nueva Trova, and my friend, the Commander-in-Chief, Fidel Castro,” the artist expressed.
The 71-year-old interpreter stated that “culture saved us and will save us” and that he received the recognition with a mix of “uncertainties and certainties.” He thanked the AHS for the award and the young artists who continue the Cuban cultural legacy.
In the final part of his speech, Amaury Pérez quoted Eusebio Leal, the former historian of Havana, and concluded with the revolutionary slogan: "Homeland and Faith! We Will Overcome!".
His words were shared by the writer and president of Casa de las Américas, Abel Prieto, who posted the full text of the speech on his social media.
The mention of Fidel Castro sparked a wave of comments on social media. While state-run media highlighted the message of "loyalty and love for the Homeland," many users criticized what they deemed "subservience" and "nostalgia for a dictatorship" that continues to shape the cultural and political life of the island.
Some users expressed pride in the troubadour's journey, while others lamented that figures from his generation continue to exalt the deceased communist leader.
“Amaury remains trapped in the past, in a country where young people leave and artists are silent out of fear,” wrote a commenter on Facebook.
The Maestro de Juventudes award recognizes outstanding individuals in the cultural and artistic development of new generations. Previous winners include Fernando Pérez, Adela Legrá, and Frank Fernández.
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