Yomil Hidalgo stands out among the veteran urban music artists in Cuba for choosing to remain on the island. In a recent interview on the D'Robles Podcast, he shared his reasons for not leaving his homeland. "When you leave Cuba, you gain a lot, but you also lose a lot. Staying also means gaining some things and losing others; it's a reciprocal situation," the reggaeton artist explained.
During the administration of Barack Obama, Yomil had hoped for what he described as "the breath of fresh air that was needed," believing that the expected opening would be significant for Cuba. The atmosphere at the time led him to think he could build his career starting in his own country.
Additionally, Yomil expressed that he couldn't imagine living in another country, leading a solitary life under pressure. "In the end, I have a comfortable, middle-to-upper lifestyle here. Achieving that elsewhere requires hard work, but what affects me the most is loneliness," he candidly shared.
His decision to stay was largely influenced by his friendships and his patriotic dreams of seeing Cuba rebuilt from the ground up. "This country is like a post-war zone that needs complete reconstruction," he added. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that time is something you can't get back. Over the years, he's seen many close friends struggle in Cuba, and when they've decided to emigrate, he's had to bid them farewell, hoping their lives improve abroad.
For Yomil, the belief that Cuba can become a better nation has turned into a personal mission: "I've become fixated on it." He confidently stated, "I'm going to be here. I have no intention of staying anywhere else in the world. This is my country, and I will die as I have lived."
Yomil's Commitment to Cuba
Why does Yomil choose to stay in Cuba?
Yomil stays in Cuba because he dreams of being part of rebuilding the nation from scratch. He values his friendships and the lifestyle he has on the island, even though he acknowledges the sacrifices involved.
What did Yomil hope for during Barack Obama's presidency?
During Barack Obama's presidency, Yomil hoped for a significant opening that would allow Cuba to thrive and provide opportunities for artists like himself to build their careers at home.
How does Yomil feel about living in another country?
Yomil cannot see himself living in another country due to the loneliness and pressure he believes would accompany such a move. He appreciates the lifestyle he has in Cuba, despite the challenges.