A week after discovering she was nominated for a Latin Grammy in the Song of the Year category, Cuban singer Daymé Arocena reflected on her lack of recognition in her home country. In a video posted on her Instagram account, the artist admitted she was unprepared for the news, having braced herself for rejection rather than acceptance for so long.
"When I got the news, I called my father and told him: I feel like I have no strength left," she shared. Daymé recounted that despite her talent, Cuban authorities never supported her, and she was denied access to any significant opportunities because they were reserved "for the elite."
"In Cuba, I never won a Lucas, a Cubadisco, nothing," she emphasized. "Life has taught me to build a tough shell against rejection. And when you leave Cuba, everyone tells you: 'outside of Cuba, you won't achieve anything. If you couldn't make it in Cuba, you'll achieve even less abroad. Look at all the people who left and nothing happened with them.' So, there's a lot of hopelessness both inside Cuba and when you leave," she added.
The Struggles of Cuban Musicians
The young singer revealed that after learning of her nomination, she has spent these days in isolation and reflection rather than celebration. "When I received the news, I broke down. A Grammy nomination is like a gateway to the industry, to success, to visibility. I come from a country where there is no industry, and where the doors to success and visibility were never opened for me," she reiterated.
Daymé dedicated her nomination to Cuban music, which she described as "very disoriented," as if it had no place anywhere. She noted that Cuban musicians who emigrate carry dreams that often fade along the way because migration is a very tough process.
"A Grammy nomination is a thread of hope. Every Cuban musician who gains visibility in the industry provides hope for those coming up," she stressed.
Support from Fellow Musicians
In the comments section of her post, Aymée Nuviola, a multiple Grammy winner, expressed her solidarity with Daymé. "I have felt the same way, and the only thing that has restored my hope is my faith in God. I know He keeps His promises, and the dreams He placed in my heart as a child have come true in ways that continue to surprise me. The 'NOs' have made me stronger, and I have learned to choose my battles to win the war," she affirmed.
"You are an incredibly talented and intelligent woman, and God will reveal His purpose for you beyond music. Enjoy this nomination and the ones yet to come. See you at the Latin Grammys for a big hug," she added.
Recognition and Nominees
Daymé was recognized alongside Dominican composer, musician, and singer Vicente García for the song "A fuego lento," written and performed by both. This marks the 32-year-old artist's first Latin Grammy nomination, though she has been nominated for an American Grammy before. In the 2018 edition, she was a contender for Best Latin Jazz Album for "Oddara," a project by Canadian saxophonist Jacve Bunnet in which Daymé participated with the Cuban female group Maqueque.
The 2024 Latin Grammy Awards see various Cuban artists and musicians in the running. Among them are Cimafunk and Monsieur Periné for their song "Catalina," nominated for Record of the Year. The group Darumas, featuring Cuban singer and guitarist Ceci León, an Argentine bassist, and a Haitian vocalist based in Chile, is up for Best New Artist.
Additionally, rapper Al2 El Aldeano is nominated alongside Vico C for Best Rap/Hip Hop Song with "Blam Blam." In the Best Traditional Tropical Album category, three Cubans are contenders: Alex Cuba with "Voces de mi familia," Yelsy Heredia with "Los Mismos Negros," and Yeisy Rojas with "A mis ancestros."
For Best Latin Jazz Album, Sammy Figueroa competes with Cubans Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Aymée Nuviola for "Searching For A Memory (Busco Tu Recuerdo)." Rubalcaba is also nominated with "Collab," alongside Hamilton De Holanda. Meanwhile, Paquito D'Rivera aims to win Best Contemporary Classical Composition for "Caribbean Berceuse."
The prestigious Latin Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on November 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.