Cuban musician Descemer Bueno Martínez experienced a heartfelt reunion with his mother after being unable to visit Cuba for four years due to political reasons. "Here I am with my mother after four long years without being able to return to my homeland. Thank you, my God, for giving me the chance to see her again," the artist shared on social media.
In a video, Bueno is seen embracing and kissing his mother, capturing a special moment he eagerly anticipated. The exact location of their reunion remains undisclosed. His mother, Mercedes Martínez, has been a constant presence in Bueno's life, despite the distance and challenges imposed by the Cuban regime on those who dare to speak against its dictatorship and lack of freedoms.
A Musical Tribute to a Mother's Struggle
In September 2023, Descemer released an emotional song dedicated to his mother and all those affected by Alzheimer's. "Mercedes is for my mom and everyone around the world whom Alzheimer's has taken so much from. I hope this song offers a breath of fresh air amidst the anguish and despair," Bueno wrote on Instagram when announcing the song's release.
In another post, following the song's debut, Bueno included a heartfelt lyric: "Mercedes, I don't know how to thank you for all that I am." The Cuban composer has often spoken about his mother, expressing the pain of being separated by both geographical distance and her illness.
Political Stance and Familial Sacrifice
On her birthday in 2020, Bueno shared, "Today is your birthday, my beautiful negrita, and you have no idea how much I miss you. It was always you and me, we had each other, and now with the distance and Alzheimer's, along with the damned politics and corrupt politicians and rulers, it would be a miracle to kiss your forehead." The musician has expressed regret that speaking out politically prevented him from returning to Cuba to see his ailing mother.
In May 2022, Bueno conveyed to his mother, "You don't know how much I want to see you, to hug you, and give you a kiss, but I failed you the day I broke the silence." He has urged fellow musicians to speak out, stating in a 2021 interview with CiberCuba, "To reach the opportunities the world offers, they need to stop laughing when they should be crying; they need to stop being silent and tell people, in the best way possible, that enough is enough."
Despite the personal cost of his decision, Bueno remains resolute. Discussing his mother's condition, he explained, "It's very difficult. My mom has Alzheimer's and doesn't truly understand what's happening. One makes choices in life. Though she's physically there, surrounded by caring people, she is lost. If you ask me if I regret speaking out just to maintain our beautiful family bond, today I wouldn't change a thing. I'm resolved to the fact that I'll never return as long as the dictatorship remains."