Willy Chirino received an honorary doctorate in music from Florida International University (FIU) during the institution's graduation ceremonies, and he concluded his thank-you speech with a resounding "Long live a free Cuba!" which prompted a standing ovation from the attendees.
The recognition, presented by the president of FIU, Jeanette Nuñez, acknowledges the over 50 years of artistic career of the Cuban-American singer-songwriter and his role as the voice of the voiceless, as the dean herself explained when she announced the honorary doctorate awarded to the exiled musician.
Visibly excited as he took the podium, Chirino did not miss the opportunity to speak about Cuba: "I have a dream very close to my heart: that Cuba will be free this year," he declared in front of thousands of graduates and their families.
In English, he directed a direct message to the new generation of professionals: "Dream, and it will happen. But don't dream small. Dream as big as you can, without limits. I stand before you as living proof that it can happen."
He also recalled the teachings that shaped his life: "If I could dream it, I could achieve it," quoting the words of his parents and his godmother. He concluded with a phrase that summarizes his story of exile and triumph: "You are what Miami is made of. Forward."
Nuñez emphasized that the award goes beyond music: "Not only for everything he has done in music, but also for the cause of freedom. Our students understand very well the importance of these values."
Chirino, who celebrated his 50 years in the music industry in February, is regarded as one of the most important icons of Cuban music in exile and one of the creators of the so-called "Miami Sound."
He arrived in the city at the age of 14 as part of Operation Pedro Pan and has since built a career of more than 20 albums, making him a symbol of cultural resistance.
Her song "Ya viene llegando" (1991) is considered an anthem of the Cuban exile, and her work has been banned from the state media on the island for decades.
In 2014, he received the Latin Grammy Award for Musical Excellence, which he dedicated to the "oppressed for listening to his music."
More recently, he revived "La Habana DC (after Castro)" in January of this year, reaffirming its relevance as a critical voice against the regime.
Before the ceremony, the artist humorously confessed that the confirmation of his doctorate arrived just a week before the event. His parents—his father, a lawyer, and his mother, a pharmacist—always wanted him to earn that degree. "Music got in the way. They would be very happy today," he said.
His wife, the Cuban singer Lissette Álvarez, who was present at the ceremony, expressed her pride: "He has put so much effort and love into his career that this recognition is a great reward. Doctor Willy."
Chirino himself, jokingly, has already embraced the new title: “Doctor, please!”, he said when asked how he would like to be addressed from now on.
The graduation ceremonies at FIU extend until April 30, with nearly six thousand students joining the Cuban exile in music as the generation that will receive their diploma from the institution this year.
Filed under: