The Cuban singer Aymée Nuviola launched a harsh criticism against the regime in Havana in an interview published this Saturday, October 10, by the Spanish newspaper El Debate, on the eve of her free concert in Madrid for the celebrations of Hispanic Heritage.
The artist held the Cuban authorities responsible for the worsening living conditions on the island and questioned that, in her opinion, their main objective is to maintain power, even as the population faces blackouts, shortages, and difficulties in meeting basic needs.
The concern about a crisis that is becoming a daily occurrence
In a conversation with journalist Pilar L. Arreaza, Nuviola explained that what saddens him the most is the ability of Cubans to adapt to an increasingly precarious situation. He described how families must seek alternatives for cooking, endure prolonged power outages, and lower their expectations of what it means to live with dignity.
The interpreter considers it particularly dangerous for deprivations to be accepted as part of the routine. To summarize this reality, she pointed out that in Cuba "one does not live, one survives".
Nuviola attributed that deterioration to decades of failed policies and the lack of will among the leaders to change the country's direction.
His father in Cuba and the consequences of speaking publicly
The singer also addressed the personal cost of exile. She shared that her father, who is over 80 years old, still lives in Cuba, and that she and other family members take care to send him essential items from abroad, such as hygiene products, food, and medicine.
In addition, she reported that during visits to the island, she saw products labeled as international donations being sold in stores for dollars.
Regarding his relationship with Cuba, he stated that he currently cannot return to the country and linked this situation to his pronouncements against the regime. He recalled that he was previously able to visit the island and participate in musical projects, but assured that the possibility of facing reprisals will not prevent him from expressing his opinions. The interview does not specify if there is a formal entry ban.
When talking about Celia Cruz, whom she portrayed on television, Nuviola recognized in the legendary singer an example of a Cuban woman and artist marked by exile. However, she emphasized that political convictions are personal decisions, not a stance one adopts to imitate another figure.
The Grammy and Latin Grammy award winner also spoke about the challenges she has faced as a woman in son and salsa, and recalled that it was Óscar D'León who bestowed upon her the nickname The Singer of the World.
Free concert in Madrid this Sunday
The statements come just a day before Nuviola performs in the Spanish capital as part of Hispanidad 2026. Her concert is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, at 7:00 PM, at the multi-purpose esplanade of Madrid Río, in Arganzuela, next to Matadero Madrid. Admission is free, according to the official program of the Community of Madrid.
The location is important for those planning to attend: the performance was initially announced to take place at Puerta del Sol, but it was moved to Madrid Río. That same Sunday, Cimafunk is also set to perform there at 9:00 PM as part of the free concerts celebrating Hispanic Heritage.
CiberCuba reported in September about Aymée Nuviola's participation in these celebrations and later detailed the schedule of concerts and Cuban artists. In her most recent interview, the singer revealed that one of the songs particularly associated with Cuba that she will bring to Madrid is Pan para Yolanda, recorded with the Spanish artist Melendi.
Related videos:
Filed under: