The singer-songwriter Amaury Pérez has expressed that he endures the current crisis "like any other Cuban," while still maintaining loyalty to the regime.
In a message sent to a friend and shared on Facebook by Abel Prieto, the president of Casa de las Américas, the pro-government troubadour pledged to uphold his stance despite experiencing "endless blackouts and various shortages."
Amaury initially explained that he left his Facebook page due to health issues within his family. He clarified that these personal challenges, alongside the political atmosphere, influenced his decision.
"The attacks on my country didn’t allow me to continue living, as someone noted, a parallel life that led some to point it out," he stated.
The artist confirmed his presence on the island, enduring daily hardships. "I am in Cuba as you know, and I will not abandon this fact when everything (I survive in a 'lower middle-class' neighborhood) prevents me from ignoring endless blackouts and all sorts of shortages."
"I am just one more who does not give up, nor will I, on being part of my neighbors' hardships. Who are my neighbors? Well, 10 million compatriots," he declared in the letter.
Amaury emphasized that his choice to stay in Cuba is deliberate and irreversible, indifferent to others' opinions.
"I have no regrets, not for a second, about the path, not the walk, that I chose," he wrote, defending his journey.
"What's wrong, I will help fix; what's right, I will defend through songs, not through criticisms or regrets, which are ultimately useless and seldom seen as genuine," he emphasized.
The message concluded with a passionate proclamation: "Long live Cuba, dear! Free already is."
For decades, Amaury Pérez has been closely associated with official positions within Cuba's cultural sphere.
His proximity to the country's top authorities, including the current leader and his family, as well as his historical alignment with previous political leadership, marks him as one of the artists publicly endorsing the communist project.
The release of the letter places the singer-songwriter once again at the heart of the debate concerning the role of artists in a context characterized by prolonged blackouts, shortages, and political turmoil.
While some circles call for more critical stances from the artistic community, Amaury reaffirms his commitment to the government, as he puts it, "through songs" and without regrets.
The Role of Artists in Cuba's Political Landscape
Why does Amaury Pérez remain loyal to the Cuban regime despite hardships?
Amaury Pérez maintains his loyalty to the regime because he believes in defending the positives of the government through his music, and he is committed to contributing to fixing what is wrong.
What challenges does Amaury Pérez face while living in Cuba?
Amaury Pérez faces challenges such as enduring endless blackouts and experiencing shortages of all kinds, as he resides in a lower middle-class neighborhood.