A Japanese violinist, moved by feedback from his Cuban followers, responded with a heartfelt gesture that resonated deeply with the diaspora.
On May 20th, KOH (@muscle_violin) performed "Guantanamera" on the violin, marking the 50th installment of his project "One Iconic Song from Every Country." He acknowledged publicly that his followers had enlightened him about Cuba's most emblematic song.
The journey began on May 12th when KOH featured "Chan Chan" as the 45th entry in his series, believing it to be Cuba's iconic tune. Although the performance was well-received, several Cuban followers pointed out in the comments that while "Chan Chan" is indeed beautiful, the true anthem of Cuba is undeniably "Guantanamera."
Taking their advice to heart, KOH responded eight days later with a new video. With clarity and gratitude, he expressed, "Chan Chan is very beautiful song. But the most iconic song from Cuba is Guantanamera. Muchas gracias por enseñarme."
The choice of date added profound symbolic weight. May 20th marks the anniversary of the Republic of Cuba's proclamation in 1902. For the diaspora, hearing "Guantanamera" played by a Japanese musician on this significant day was doubly touching.
Emotional Reactions from the Cuban Community
Comments overflowed with pride and nostalgia. "Grateful for playing our Cuban music," one follower wrote. Another exclaimed, "Long live Free Cuba! Homeland and Life!" A third shared, "My beloved Cuba, I get goosebumps listening to my music."
A Cuban-American highlighted the historical coincidence of the day: "On May 20, 1902, the young Republic of Cuba was born. Today, the dictator of the communist regime was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice. As a Cuban-American, I appreciate you using your platform to play our music. Like freedom, it is a universal language."
The Iconic "Guantanamera"
"Guantanamera" is recognized as Cuba's most universal song. Created by Joseíto Fernández and popularized on Cuban radio since 1929, its lyrics incorporate verses from José Martí's "Versos sencillos." The song's global reach was cemented in the 1960s thanks to American musician Pete Seeger.
In contrast, "Chan Chan" was composed by Compay Segundo and gained worldwide fame through the Buena Vista Social Club album (1997). In December 2025, UNESCO declared Cuban son as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reinforcing the global relevance of this music.
KOH, who blends his love for the violin with bodybuilding under the motto "Violin and muscle know no borders," had over 421,000 followers on Instagram when he posted the "Chan Chan" video.
The "Guantanamera" video garnered 25,504 views, 7,664 likes, and 445 comments, delivering a message that transcends music: when one listens with humility, the connection between cultures knows no bounds.
Understanding the Impact of Cultural Exchange Through Music
Why did KOH choose to perform "Guantanamera"?
KOH chose to perform "Guantanamera" after Cuban followers informed him that it is the most iconic song from Cuba, making it a more fitting choice for his project.
What significance does May 20th hold for Cubans?
May 20th is the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Cuba in 1902, a day of great historical and symbolic importance for Cubans and the diaspora.
How did the Cuban community react to KOH's performance?
The Cuban community reacted with pride and nostalgia, expressing gratitude for KOH's tribute to their music and culture.