Cuban troubadour and rapper Jorge Lian García Díaz, known as Kamankola, took center stage at Miami's Kaseya Center on Saturday night. Invited by Alejandro Sanz, Kamankola performed his protest song "La Cuba que yo dejé" before an audience of nearly 19,600 attendees.
Just hours prior to the event, Kamankola expressed his excitement on Instagram about the opportunity: "I have the immense pleasure of being invited by the great Alejandro Sanz tonight."
In his post, the Cuban artist extended heartfelt thanks to the Spanish singer: "Brother, how wonderful you are. Thank you for the smile, the hug, the nickname Giorgio, for offering me your stage and your audience, and above all for your work and life."
During his performance, Kamankola delivered the most poignant lines from his song, released in March 2024: "The Cuba I left was a decaying corpse, a sorrowful desert, a couple of blood without faith. The Cuba I abandoned had returned naked, the soul empty, losing love, without remains, without peace, without flowers, lights out, sad, widows, without my street, without my land, without my sea, and without my home."
Activist Eliécer Ávila, founder of the Somos+ movement, shared the performance video, adding: "What emotion and pride! LONG LIVE FREE CUBA!"
After the concert, Alejandro Sanz took to Instagram, sharing: "Returning to Miami feels like coming home. Thank you to everyone who enjoyed tonight as much as I did. Music is our best reunion."
Political Expression on Stage
Kamankola's appearance is part of a broader trend where Cuban artists in exile use the stage for political expression. In September 2023, Yotuel Romero performed "Patria y Vida" at the same venue during another Sanz concert, making the artist's stage a recurrent platform for Cuban political voices.
Known for his staunch advocacy for Cuban freedom, Kamankola publicly opposed the use of his music in regime propaganda in 2021. In 2023, he collaborated with Amaury Gutiérrez on "Yo volveré a Cuba cuando caiga la dictadura," with the video shot in Miami.
In April, the artist criticized opportunistic reggaeton artists who "want to join the freedom of Cuba at the last minute," reaffirming his continuous stance against the regime in an interview.
The Miami concert is part of Alejandro Sanz's "¿Y Ahora Qué?" tour across the United States, continuing through May 17 with stops in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, among other cities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kamankola's Performance
Who is Kamankola?
Kamankola is the stage name of Jorge Lian García Díaz, a Cuban troubadour and rapper known for his outspoken criticism of the Cuban regime and his commitment to freedom for Cuba.
What song did Kamankola perform at the Miami concert?
Kamankola performed "La Cuba que yo dejé," a song that highlights the harsh realities he perceives in Cuba and his emotional departure from the country.
How did Alejandro Sanz respond to Kamankola's performance?
Alejandro Sanz expressed his gratitude and joy on Instagram, noting the special nature of performing in Miami and the shared experience with his audience.