The Cuban regime has censored a tribute to singer Olga Guillot during the Boleros Festival in Santiago de Cuba, according to sources close to the event. Independent outlet Diario de Cuba confirmed that the national leadership of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) disapproved the proposal initiated by event organizer and former provincial president of the official guild, Rodulfo Vaillant.
Instead of honoring Guillot – known as The Queen of Bolero – the 35th edition of the festival was dedicated to recently deceased guitarist Gabino Jardines, who had accompanied many prominent figures in the genre. "They made the announcement without consulting. Then they had to delete the Facebook post," another source told the aforementioned outlet.
Last month, Vaillant announced that the festival would be dedicated to the celebrated Santiago-born bolerista, whom he described as "one of the most popular Cuban singers" and "a pride" of the province. "In the 1950s, she was the leader among romantic songstresses in terms of Cuban public preference," he said, without mentioning the censorship the artist faced in her homeland.
Olga Guillot has remained "completely banned" from Cuban radio stations for over six decades since she permanently left Cuba in 1961. Remembered for her magnificent renditions of classic bolero songs like “La gloria eres tú” and “Tú me acostumbraste,” she expressed her love for Cuba and her longing for her birthplace in an interview a few years ago.
Guillot passed away on July 12, 2010, suffering a heart attack while attending a funeral.
Impact of Censorship on Olga Guillot's Legacy
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the censorship of Olga Guillot's tribute and its broader implications.
Why was Olga Guillot's tribute censored by the Cuban regime?
The Cuban regime likely censored the tribute due to Olga Guillot's long-term ban from Cuban media following her departure from Cuba in 1961 and her outspoken criticism of the Communist regime.
Who is Rodulfo Vaillant?
Rodulfo Vaillant is the organizer of the Boleros Festival in Santiago de Cuba and a former provincial president of UNEAC, the official guild of writers and artists in Cuba.
What impact has the censorship had on Olga Guillot's music?
Olga Guillot's music has been banned from Cuban radio stations for over sixty years, severely limiting her exposure and legacy within Cuba despite her international acclaim.