Rey Ruiz Expresses Deep Regret and Shame Over Cuba's Situation

On Tuesday, Cuban salsa singer Rey Ruiz released a heartfelt video titled "A Cuban's Outpouring" on his Facebook page. In the nearly eight-minute clip, he candidly shares his anguish over the dire conditions in Cuba. Within just seven hours, the video garnered over 25,000 views, more than a thousand reactions, and over 220 comments.

The artist, affectionately known as "El Bombón de la Salsa," revealed that he rehearsed the video several times before recording it and confessed he was uncertain about making it public. "I don't know if I should post it or not, but I'm speaking to vent," he stated.

Three Decades Outside Cuba

Having spent more than 30 years outside Cuba, residing in Miami, Rey Ruiz believes his global perspective grants him the moral authority to speak on the issue. After traveling extensively through Latin America and beyond, his verdict is clear: "I've visited everywhere, and there's no place worse than my country. It fills me with such regret and embarrassment."

Ruiz, who left Cuba in 1991 seeking "money and democracy," did not mince words when addressing those who support the regime from within the island. "It's impossible; you must be blind, deaf, and mute to agree with that situation because there's nothing worse. I truly don't understand it," he asserted.

Decades of Struggle

One of the most impactful moments in the video came when Rey Ruiz quantified the Cuban tragedy: "You have to agree that it's been 67 years of poverty and hardship. I was born into it, lived there for nearly 25 years, and I know exactly what it's like."

The singer highlighted two major damages inflicted by the regime. First, the cultural decline: "Culture has hit rock bottom. It's not a criticism; it's an observation." Second, the isolation from global knowledge: "They know nothing of the world."

His prognosis for the future was equally grim: "I hope some miracle saves us because if things continue this way, we're going nowhere."

Calling for Unity

Faced with the implicit question of what can be done, Rey Ruiz acknowledged the limitations. "We are certain we can't do much, just resist until someone with a heart has the ability to save us, whether it's the United States or another country, or someone who says enough is enough," he declared.

He also extended a hand to Cubans on the island, urging an end to mutual reproaches. "I can't offer a solution, but I want to tell you from here that every Cuban here thinks about the Cubans there. If no one else does it, we must do it ourselves, somehow," he noted.

A Citizen's Right to Speak

Anticipating criticism from those who argue that artists should not comment on politics, Rey Ruiz was unequivocal: "I’m a musician, I don't have to get involved in this, but I like to bring people together. I'm just another Cuban citizen and have the right to talk about politics just like any other Cuban, wherever they may be."

Rey Ruiz concluded his message with a stark warning to Cubans remaining on the island: "It needs to be resolved. If someone doesn't fix it, things will stay the same—without water, without electricity, without food. Without dignity. Without anything. From here, from the other side."

The video adds to a wave of voices from the Cuban diaspora who, in 2026, have intensified their criticism of the regime. In recent months, Manolín "the Doctor of Salsa" labeled the regime as "a disgrace," and Gente de Zona described Cuba as being in "the worst moment in its history."