Recently, several Cuban influencers have voiced concerns about artists Lenier, Tekashi 6ix9ine, and Oniel Bebeshito over their collaboration on the track "Papita frita." The controversy erupted following the release of the music video, which features an image of the late Cuban artist El Taiger, sparking a wave of criticism from fans and the artist's family.
A video circulating on Instagram shows a group of young Cubans discussing the use of El Taiger's image in the video. One influencer expressed outrage, accusing the artists of "exploiting a deceased person's image for profit." This sentiment has resonated widely across social media, with many users supporting the views shared in the video.
The backlash extends beyond urban music enthusiasts, reaching El Taiger’s family. Jorge Junior, a cousin of the late singer, strongly voiced objections on social media, demanding the removal of his relative’s image from the music video, as no approval was given for what he called a "so-called tribute."
Ethical Boundaries in the Music Industry
"Papita frita" was anticipated as a promising collaboration among Lenier, Tekashi 6ix9ine, and Oniel Bebeshito. However, the controversy surrounding El Taiger’s image has overshadowed the release, igniting a debate over ethical boundaries in the music industry.
This situation has also reignited discussions about respecting deceased artists and their legacies, emphasizing the importance of consulting families before using visual references in artistic productions.
As of the time of this publication, none of the three artists involved have issued official statements addressing the criticisms, leaving the question open as to whether any steps will be taken to address the controversy.