Cuban singer-songwriter Raúl Torres has resurfaced on social media, urging the Cuban government to "change everything that needs to be changed." He described himself as just another Cuban "out on the streets, fighting and singing 'Riding with Fidel'."
In his latest Facebook post, Torres not only shared theories about the platform’s algorithm but also reaffirmed his loyalty to the so-called "revolution" while subtly critiquing the "continuity" government. "Our country is currently facing a very delicate moment... let us be aware and urgently make our own turning point now, and once and for all, change everything that needs to be changed," Torres proclaimed in his grandiose and chaotic post.
According to the creator of the ill-fated song "Cabalgando con Fidel," "our people need profound action to save their project; they crave participation, initiatives, and guidance, despite the government's efforts not being fully effective."
A Call for Reflection Among Artists
Torres attributes the inefficacy of Miguel Díaz-Canel’s government to "the adverse times we are experiencing in every sense as a country, as a society, as a revolutionary project." He acknowledged that more artists are changing their "mental compass" due to social media "bombarding them with all sorts of manipulated propaganda."
In this context, he urged his fellow artists to "reflect because I feel their irritability is on edge, struggling with their own conscience." "It's tough to see people who used to be your friends drift away just because they’ve changed their political views. It’s irrational... As for me, I will continue doing what I do best without fear but also without taking sides," Torres stated.
Symbolic Reconstruction or Mere Rhetoric?
In mid-July, the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) called for a reconstruction of symbols in the face of "hegemonic media." Could Torres's incoherent rhetoric be an attempt to rebuild the symbol of the "horse"?
Days later, the troubadour took to social media once more, offering a declaration of faith and admitting he had no "escape strategy." According to Torres, his grateful nature prevents him from turning his back on the "people to whom I owe everything I am." "I am revolutionary and Fidelist," he declared, despite his song "Patria o Muerte por la Vida" being deemed the worst song of 2021 by Google searches.