The Cuban singer Yomil Hidalgo published a series of Instagram stories this weekend in which he extensively commented on the situation in Cuba, amid the protests that have been ongoing for ten consecutive days shaking the island.
In his posts, Yomil—who resides in Cuba and emphasized this point—directed his harshest criticisms toward Cubans who engage in political activism from abroad. "99% of those who are speaking from there never did anything" when they were in Cuba, he wrote, adding that many "went to marches, to CDR watch groups, were among the most active, and were part of communist organizations."
The reggaeton artist also lashed out at those who, according to him, "live off politics," adding that "the most they've done is stand in front of a private jet, disrespecting an entire country." He issued a direct challenge to those who claim they want to do something for Cuba from abroad: "Go ahead, get your ticket and come to the heat to see if you’re willing to show the same face you put on social media."
At the same time, Yomil expressed respect for those who have shown bravery within the island. He specifically mentioned Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo as individuals deserving recognition, lamenting that "no one remembers" them. "The saddest part is that no one remembers those who truly have my respect because they have shown it with tremendous dignity, like Luis Manuel, Maykel, and all those political prisoners who are currently in a cell waiting for a signal from you that will never arrive," he wrote.
Regarding the case of Otero Alcántara, a legal motion seeks his immediate release, while the government's announcement of prisoner releases has raised questions about the actual fate of political prisoners.
Regarding his own stance, the artist explained that he "withdrew several years ago" because he "became disillusioned with everything," and defended his decision to remain in Cuba. "I don’t live in the yuma; all of us who live in Cuba experience the real heat day by day, get that into your heads," he asserted, noting that he has "more to lose" than those living abroad and that thanks to his work, he has been able to "create conditions to have a good quality of life" on the island, within the limits.
Yomil also acknowledged the paradox of whether to speak or not about Cuba: "I did, I spoke, I went out, I fought, and I defended myself alone without the help of any of you, only to be called a communist if you speak and if you don’t, it's the same." He also criticized those who comment from the comfort of their position: "Everything is behind a phone, knowing they will sleep peacefully with light, with air conditioning, with food, and the next day they open their phones without any pressure."
The statements come on the tenth consecutive day of protests in Cuba, triggered by the collapse of the Antonio Guiteras power plant on March 5, which left 68% of the island without electricity. The demonstrations have spread to Havana, Morón, Santiago de Cuba, and Mayarí, among other locations.
Yomil has a history of statements regarding the situation in Cuba: he participated in the protests on July 11, 2021, was briefly arrested, and shared a video of his detention to denounce the repression. In April 2025, he sparked controversy by participating in a debate organized by the Cuban Ministry of Culture, which many interpreted as a contradiction to his previous positions.
The singer concluded his stories with a phrase that encapsulates his stance: "If you are democrats, you must also respect differing opinions, because if not, then you are the true communists." This is not the first time Yomil has made controversial statements about the country's future: in February 2025, he dreamed of a president like Bukele for Cuba.
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