While visiting Madrid to prepare for upcoming concerts in Spain, Melanie Santiler emphasized the significant role Miami plays in the international growth and exposure of Cuban artists.
In an interview with the Spanish newspaper Artículo 14, timed with the release of her new single "Gataza," Santiler discussed the challenges of breaking into the music industry from Cuba. She highlighted how Miami's audience has become an essential ally for thriving in this competitive arena.
Miami leads Santiler's Spotify statistics. The artist attributed this dominance to the constraints faced by creators in Cuba, where numerous plays are not reflected on major digital platforms.
"Platforms don't work in Cuba. Neither I nor any Cuban artist have significant numbers from Cuba, except on YouTube. Many people listen to Cuban artists' music without contributing to our statistics. They are ghost listens: bots, downloads, alternative methods, because there's no access in Cuba," she explained.
"Thanks to the Miami community, we have statistics, numbers, and reach. There's also a Cuban community in Spain and many places around the world, thank God, but Miami is extremely important. We've conquered Miami," the young artist summarized, lamenting that she has yet to visit the City of the Sun.
The Role of Reparto and Cultural Identity
Santiler defended Reparto as a genre deeply intertwined with Cuban society. She believes that this genre, born from the fusion of timba, rumba, and other urban rhythms, is now "the identity of the Cuban people."
She also pointed out the significance of national slang and cultural codes that make it challenging to reproduce the genre outside its native context.
However, she acknowledged that pursuing a music career in Cuba comes with substantial hurdles. Despite her aspirations to become an international figure without severing her ties to Havana, she admitted that "it's very difficult to nurture oneself there" given the country's current situation.
"I aspire to be a global artist, no doubt, but without leaving Cuba, without stopping my visits and without ceasing to draw from what's happening there. Right now, it's challenging to be nourished by what's happening due to the current situation, but at times it's been enchanting to create in Cuba," she remarked.
Aspiring to New Heights
The singer expressed her regret over the lack of prominent contemporary Cuban female figures. She cited Celia Cruz as a crucial influence in understanding how an artist can command the stage and project her identity to international audiences.
"Celia is a huge reference for live performances because she embodies the Cuban roots. It's how a Cuban person puts on a show," Santiler said. She believes Cuba hasn't seen a female figure of such magnitude since.
One of her major ambitions is centered in Havana. Santiler dreams of performing at the Estadio Latinoamericano, the iconic home of the Industriales. For her, performing there would be even more meaningful than a show at Madison Square Garden.
The artist aims to pave new paths for Cuban music, maintain her connection to her roots, and achieve global exposure supported by a diaspora with strongholds in Miami and Madrid.
Melanie Santiler and Cuban Music Industry Challenges
Why is Miami important for Cuban artists like Melanie Santiler?
Miami provides essential audience support and visibility on digital platforms, which Cuban artists lack due to limited access in Cuba.
What challenges do Cuban artists face in their home country?
Cuban artists face significant obstacles due to limited access to digital platforms and a lack of resources to nurture their careers within Cuba.
Who does Melanie Santiler consider a major influence?
Melanie Santiler considers Celia Cruz a significant influence for her powerful stage presence and international identity projection.