Cuban adventist singer Dairon Gavilán revealed that he was barred from participating in the Cuerda Viva Festival gala due to his song "In the Name of Jesus," which repeatedly mentions the name of Jesus. The artist explained the situation through his social media channels. "They asked us to change the song because it mentioned Jesus too much, but we decided not to, as our faith and principles come first," he expressed on his Facebook page. Despite the efforts of the show’s team to allow the performance, it was ultimately not possible, and he was censored. However, the singer remains optimistic, asserting that "God has greater things prepared."
Recently, Dairon also announced that he was once again nominated for the Arpa Awards, where he will share the stage with renowned Christian artists such as Jesús Adrián Romero, Marcos Witt, and Christine D'Clario. Despite the criticism and obstacles, Gavilán has maintained his firm stance, earning the respect of many for his commitment to his faith and musical mission.
Future Performances and Community Support
Meanwhile, the Facebook page Mundo Adventista Cuba SG hinted at the possibility of the artist performing at the Teatro de Bellas Artes, generating great excitement among his followers, who were enthusiastic about the idea of joining him at that iconic venue to worship God together. Gavilán continues to be a model of perseverance for the Cuban Christian community, demonstrating that although doors may close, new opportunities arise for those who maintain their unwavering faith and principles.
In 2023, the official Cuban television news censored Melba Pérez Herrera, a woman from Santiago who saved a baby in Havana with a blood donation, removing some of her religious statements. The Canal Caribe aired two versions of the story, but in the 8:00 p.m. news broadcast, the moment when the woman thanked "God for the miracle" was cut.
A year before, the Project Abriendo Brechas de Colores reported the censorship by Cuban Television News of a gay Christian family in a report about the "Until Love is Law" campaign. The project issued a joint statement with other initiatives dedicated to defending the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community in Cuba, referring to a special report by journalist Esther Lilian González about the Family Code and the aforementioned campaign, created by the Plataforma Voces Ecuménicas Cubanas (VEC). The report was aired on February 20 in the evening broadcast of the NTV.
Impact of Censorship on Cuban Artists and Activists
The following questions and answers delve into the recurring issue of censorship faced by Cuban artists and activists, highlighting the challenges and responses from the community.
Why was Dairon Gavilán barred from performing at the Cuerda Viva Festival?
Dairon Gavilán was barred from performing because his song "In the Name of Jesus" repeatedly mentions Jesus, which the organizers asked him to change. He refused to alter the song due to his faith and principles.
How has Dairon Gavilán responded to the censorship?
Despite being censored, Dairon Gavilán remains optimistic, believing that "God has greater things prepared." He continues to uphold his faith and principles.
What other instances of censorship have occurred in Cuba?
Other instances include the censorship of Melba Pérez Herrera's religious statements on Cuban television and the censoring of a gay Christian family's story related to the "Until Love is Law" campaign.