The Cuban reggaeton artist Oniel Bebeshito surprised his followers by posting a video on Instagram where he is singing the chorus of his song "Se va," while a phrase overlays the image that did not go unnoticed: “Let them go (with a waving hand emoji and the Cuban flag)”.
The excerpt corresponds to a part of the chorus of the song performed alongside Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13: “And let it go, everyone with their hands up”. However, what set social media ablaze was not the music, but the context: the Cuban flag accompanying the phrase and the social moment the Island is experiencing.
Although the artist did not directly mention any leader or make an explicit political statement, hundreds of followers interpreted the message as a reference to the power in Cuba. Comments such as “The Castro dictatorship?” “Canel, the Castros, and the PCC are going,” “Free Cuba,” and “Those who understood, understood” flooded the post.
Other users were more straightforward and requested that the message be conveyed "without double meaning," while some questioned whether it was merely a promotional strategy for the song. There were also those who argued that no artist is obligated to speak on politics, but pointed out that when someone claims to represent Cubans, silence in difficult times also communicates.
The video arrives amidst a deep economic and social crisis in Cuba, characterized by prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and increasing citizen unrest. In this context, any ambiguous message with symbolic significance takes on a greater dimension.
Until now, Bebeshito had not made any public statements regarding the country's political situation. Therefore, his "They should leave," accompanied by the Cuban flag, has been interpreted by many as his first gesture amidst the national debate.
Whether it was a deliberate statement or a musical coincidence, the fact is that the message is already sparking conversation...
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