Emilio Frías, director of the band El Niño y la Verdad, has demanded respect for artists living in the United States who wish to perform in Cuba. He made a strong statement regarding the controversy involving El Micha, who walked off a set in Miami after being questioned about his trips to the island.
"Men shouldn't have to live under pressure from anywhere, whether here or there. Those who know what they stand for, tell the truth, get up, and leave," Frías wrote on social media, accompanied by a ten-minute video explaining his stance.
Emilio Frías' Stance on Performing in Cuba
The artist clarified that he personally will not perform in Cuba until the government changes, but he demands respect for those who choose to do so. "Why should someone with a microphone have the power to sanction or force someone to do something they don't want to do? Why? Why should you have to say 'down with the dictatorship' if you don't want to?" questioned Frías, who emphasized that he has been friends with El Micha (Michael Fernández Sierra Miranda) for many years, although they haven't seen each other in a while.
"Is El Micha a communist now because he wants to perform in Cuba? El Micha needs Cuba because Cuba is in his heart. There's no other audience like the one there, and that has nothing to do with the government or the dictatorship," he added.
Frías stated that "Michael is not a communist" and that he simply "wants to perform for his people." He also questioned the ongoing "witch hunt" against artists. "I'm not the one to judge him. I'm not going to judge him. I won't perform while that government is in place. I won't go, but that's my decision, and I won't go because of what they did to me and how I had to leave," he explained regarding his own situation.
The musician mentioned other artists like El Taiger and Dani Ome who have decided to return to perform on the island, stressing that this should be a personal choice and not dictated by others. "If someone wants to go to Cuba, let them go to Cuba, and if someone wants to martyr themselves for this cause, like many greats have done, like Celia and Willy, let them do it. That's my choice, but if someone doesn't want to do it, they shouldn't have to. Enough is enough, stop the madness, we're becoming more and more divided," he emphasized.
Frías also referred to people now living in Miami who benefited from government perks while in Cuba. "There are still people in this city who have businesses over there, and people who live there who have businesses in Miami, and I'm talking about big names," he pointed out without mentioning specifics.
According to Frías, what cannot be allowed is for an artist living in Miami to shout "Long live the revolution!" "If an artist wants to be neutral, let them be; what they can't do is shout 'Long live Fidel' or say there's no dictatorship in Cuba. But El Micha made a song against that. If he needs to perform in Cuba, let him go and perform," added the singer, urging Cubans not to play into the hands of those who have caused so much division and pain within the community.
"There are a lot of people who have been profiting from this pain for many years. This business of the two shores has been going on for a long time, and even politicians are cashing in on it. Don't be fooled anymore. Stop attacking artists, let them make art," Frías reiterated.
Frías believes that artists who want to be political or commercial should have the right to do so. "That's democracy and freedom. After so many years here, many still don't understand that. Why should I have to say what you want me to say and when you want me to say it? Those who push don't get hurt," added the singer, clarifying that while he won't perform in Cuba, he will visit his family there as soon as he can. "Respect, if you're in a free country, respect that everyone can do what they want," he concluded.
Recently, a video went viral on social media showing El Micha walking off the set of "El Toro Loco Show" after clarifying that he goes to Cuba because he wants to. "There are programs and there are trashy shows. There are professionals like Tony Dandrades and Enrique Santos, and there are others, a bunch of trash, pretending to be the most patriotic to get a like and profit from the same topic," El Micha wrote, sharing a clip of the video on his social media.
The singer has been at the center of controversy not only for his frequent trips to Cuba to perform but also for some positions that many interpret as turning his back on the Cuban exile community in Miami. In a recent interview with Tony Dandrades, the reggaetonero made it clear that he intends to keep living in Miami and traveling to Cuba to perform for his audience, especially after his latest album, for which he filmed several music videos on the island.
The reggaetonero explained why his stance on Cuba has changed: "I realized who I am and where I come from. When you look back, you have to recognize everything you've achieved for yourself."
Frequently Asked Questions about El Niño y La Verdad and El Micha
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the recent controversy involving El Niño y La Verdad and El Micha's stance on performing in Cuba.
Why did Emilio Frías demand respect for artists who want to perform in Cuba?
Frías believes that every artist should have the freedom to decide where they want to perform without being judged or pressured by others.
What is Frías' personal stance on performing in Cuba?
Frías has stated that he will not perform in Cuba until there is a change in government, although he respects those who choose to do so.
What was the controversy involving El Micha?
El Micha walked off a set in Miami after being questioned about his trips to Cuba, sparking a debate about the right of artists to perform where they choose.
How has El Micha's stance on Cuba changed?
El Micha has expressed a desire to continue living in Miami while traveling to Cuba to perform, recognizing his roots and achievements.