Cuban reggaeton artist El Úniko recently shared his thoughts on the Cuban urban music scene and the upcoming concert by Bebeshito at Pitbull Stadium in Miami on December 28, through a live video session. During his talk, he emphasized the significance of this event for Cuban artists while also highlighting the contrasts between Cuba's urban movement and others, such as Puerto Rico's.
"The stadium hasn't been filled yet; I hope he fills it, and I wish he does, because if he does, it will open doors for others, including me, so we can do it in the future," El Úniko expressed, making it clear that Bebeshito's success would benefit all Cuban urban artists.
However, the singer also cautioned against excessive comparisons: "Let's not be absurd; we can't compare ourselves with the people from Puerto Rico, never. But you can't have Bebeshito doing a concert in Mexico, you can't have him filling a stadium in Mexico, Spain, or the Dominican Republic."
El Úniko clarified that his comments were not meant to undermine Bebeshito's success, whom he acknowledged as one of the standout artists in the Cuban scene. "I'm not speaking ill of anyone. I'm not saying Bebeshito isn't popular. He is very popular, actually, he's number one now in the Cuban scene, but let's not kid ourselves, everything in moderation," he asserted.
In his remarks, El Úniko explained the typical route for Cuban urban artists in the United States: Miami, Tampa, Houston, Las Vegas, Kentucky, Naples, or Jacksonville, noting that these locations are far from the major international markets dominated by artists from other nationalities.
For the reggaeton artist, the reality of the Cuban urban genre in the United States is much more limited compared to the opportunities available to artists from Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, who manage to impact markets like Mexico and Europe.
"The route for all Cubans in the USA is the same. And no one is going to fool me because I'm part of the movement," El Úniko concluded, calling for realism regarding the current reach of Cuban urban music.
El Úniko's statements spark a discussion about the future of Cuban urban music and its potential to expand beyond traditional circuits. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Bebeshito's concert in Miami, which could set a milestone for Cuban artists in the international market.
The Cuban Urban Music Scene: Challenges and Opportunities
Why is Bebeshito's concert significant for Cuban artists?
Bebeshito's concert is considered significant because its success could open doors for other Cuban artists to perform in larger venues and markets, potentially elevating the entire Cuban urban music scene.
What are the typical destinations for Cuban urban artists in the US?
Cuban urban artists typically perform in cities like Miami, Tampa, Houston, Las Vegas, Kentucky, Naples, and Jacksonville, rather than larger international markets.
How does El Úniko view comparisons with Puerto Rican artists?
El Úniko advises against comparing Cuban artists with those from Puerto Rico, as he believes the Cuban movement is not yet on the same level in terms of market reach and opportunities.