Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz extended his birthday greetings to renowned troubadour Silvio Rodríguez on Saturday, expressing a wish that his "committed songs continue to be with us always."
On his X account, Marrero wrote, "Happy birthday, Silvio. May your committed songs always accompany us."
Despite his longstanding support for the Cuban regime, Silvio Rodríguez has experienced recent tensions with the political leadership. In March 2025, Rodríguez shared a piece titled "Another Ojalá," voicing concern over what he described as a "loss of national dignity" following images of extravagance at the Habano Festival.
"Various signs suggest a gradual disappearance of national dignity is occurring," Rodríguez noted, referring to the country's "regression" and disrespect for patriotic symbols.
The widely circulated text on social media was perceived as a veiled critique of President Miguel Díaz-Canel, prompting a swift response from Leticia Martínez Hernández, Díaz-Canel's communications chief, who defended the regime's actions.
This controversy highlighted the friction between official rhetoric and more contemplative artistic expressions, even within cultural circles traditionally allied with the government.
Nevertheless, on Saturday, Silvio also received congratulations from President Díaz-Canel, who expressed it was an honor to have him.
As a pivotal figure in the Cuban Nueva Trova movement since the 1970s, Silvio Rodríguez has been integral to the revolutionary culture. Although he has critiqued specific Cuban realities, he remains a loyal advocate of the political system and is considered a cultural icon by the regime.
In September, Díaz-Canel and his wife, Lis Cuesta, attended one of Rodríguez's concerts at the University of Havana's steps, where he dedicated his performance to students protesting ETECSA's imposed rates.
Silvio Rodríguez and Cuban Politics
What did Silvio Rodríguez criticize in his text "Another Ojalá"?
In "Another Ojalá," Silvio Rodríguez expressed his concern about the loss of national dignity, referencing luxury and excess at the Habano Festival and the country's perceived regression.
How did the Cuban government respond to Silvio Rodríguez's critique?
The government, through Leticia Martínez Hernández, Díaz-Canel's communications chief, quickly defended its management after Rodríguez's critique was interpreted as a subtle attack on the administration.
What is Silvio Rodríguez's role in the Nueva Trova movement?
Silvio Rodríguez is considered a founding figure of the Nueva Trova movement in Cuba, a significant cultural movement since the 1970s, and has been a key supporter of revolutionary culture.