"Folks, how times have changed," declares Otto Ortiz at the start of his latest TikTok video, showcasing his signature comedic style. The Cuban comedian, now living outside of Cuba, uses his recent experiences to deliver a humorous commentary on the island's ongoing energy crisis. "Back in the day, a Cuban would travel and the first thing they'd do is eat and drink. Now, I left Cuba and the first thing I did was get a load of kilowatts," he jokes, referring to his amazement at the bright lights and neon signs where he currently resides. He concludes with a laugh, "I'm up to here with kilowatts, it's great, brother."
The video, titled "When Cubans Travel," has already garnered over 8,500 likes and hundreds of comments mixing laughter with the harsh reality of power outages in Cuba. One user quipped, "Now you're a being of light, hahaha," while another added, "When you return, you'll light up the neighborhood." Many also highlighted the stark contrast between life outside Cuba and the current situation on the island: "That's how normal countries are: electricity, water, food, medicine... We live in an abnormal country."
The Power of Humor Amidst Darkness
Ortiz's satire sheds light on a critical issue affecting millions of Cubans: the energy crisis. For months, citizens have endured prolonged and frequent blackouts that disrupt daily life, work, and even health. Otto's humorous remarks, like "full of light" or "give me another kilowatt," not only evoke laughter but also provoke thought on what it truly means to emerge from darkness, both literally and metaphorically.
Although Otto doesn't reveal his exact location, many users joked about it: "You're in Cancun, right?" or "We know where you are, Uncle Kilowatt." What remains clear is that his humor continues to provide a vital escape for many Cubans facing these daily challenges. Amid the laughter, one person commented, "If anyone touches Otto now, they'll get electrocuted."
Through videos like this, Otto Ortiz proves that humor can be a powerful tool to address even the toughest realities. Among the jokes and laughter, his "kilowatt overdose" underscores the longing of Cubans for a life with essentials: light, stability, and well-being.