Cuban reggaeton artist El Micha recently performed at the Meliá Santiago de Cuba hotel during a pool party organized by Caribbean Passion. Despite the event being marketed as an exclusive affair with high anticipation on social media, the turnout was disappointingly low.
El Micha, who has faced criticism for his stance on Cuban exile and his frequent visits to the island, took the stage on February 15th as part of a lineup featuring artists like Diván, Vakero, and Adalberto Álvarez y su Son. However, the concert failed to draw a significant crowd, highlighting the struggles of attracting an audience in the eastern city amidst severe energy shortages, widespread scarcity, and the partial dollarization of the economy initiated by the Cuban regime.
The Backlash from Cuban Exiles
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada was among the first to comment on the event on social media, sarcastically remarking, "This is what El Micha has come to, singing from stage to stage without pocketing the capitalist greens." He pointed out that most attendees were not Cubans earning in national currency but individuals with access to remittances from abroad.
The controversy surrounding El Micha is not new. It dates back to his statements in September 2024, when he declared in an interview with Tony Dandrades that his audience was made up of Cubans, not the people of Miami. He expressed his intention to continue living in Miami while frequently traveling to Cuba for concerts. "I realized who I am, where I come from," he stated, defending his right to work in Cuba without engaging in political matters.
Divisive Allegiances and Artistic Connections
His stance has sparked intense criticism among Cuban exiles, who accuse him of turning his back on those who supported him abroad. Exiled Cuban rapper El B asked on social media, "Tell me what I have to do to sing in Cuba." Others argued that El Micha's words downplayed the efforts of those who have fought against the Cuban regime and that his constant travels to the island demonstrated indifference to the repression and crisis in the country.
El Micha has repeatedly insisted that his connection to Cuba is emotional and artistic, not political—something he seemingly did not feel when composing the protest song "Un sueño." He has often stated that "Cuba heals his soul" and that he needs to be on the island to feel complete. Yet, his position has continued to polarize the Cuban community in Miami, where many view him as an artist who has betrayed the values of exile, questioning how an oppressed society without rights or freedoms can "heal the soul."
Support from Cuban Official Media
In this context, El Micha has garnered support within Cuba, particularly from official media outlets. In September 2024, Cubadebate published an article defending the reggaeton artist following a controversial interview where he walked out of a Miami program when questioned about his trips to Cuba. According to Cubadebate, El Micha "exploded in response to the traditional harassment" faced by Cuban artists in exile, accusing Miami media of demanding political statements as a "toll" for working in Florida.
Similarly, former Cuban spy and national coordinator of the CDR, Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, defended the reggaeton artist, stating on social media that "in Miami, there are inquisitors who claim to have left 'seeking freedom,' and now not only fear stepping out of line but also want to burn those who do."
A Concert Reflecting Decline
Beyond the controversy, the outcome of his concert in Santiago de Cuba left disheartening images, revealing the event's poor production, low attendance, and mediocre stage and performance quality. Although El Micha's music remains popular among certain sectors, the lack of audience at the event suggested that his ambiguous position regarding the dictatorship has taken a toll both inside and outside the island.
Understanding El Micha's Controversy
Why did El Micha face criticism from Cuban exiles?
El Micha faced criticism for his continued performances in Cuba and his statements that suggested a preference for Cuban audiences over those in Miami, which some exiles viewed as a betrayal of their support.
What was the reaction of Cuban official media to El Micha's controversy?
Cuban official media, like Cubadebate, defended El Micha, accusing Miami media of unfairly pressuring Cuban artists to make political statements as a condition for working there.
How did the public respond to El Micha's concert in Santiago de Cuba?
The concert saw low attendance, highlighting difficulties in drawing crowds amid Cuba's economic and energy crises, and suggesting the impact of El Micha's controversial stance.