A group of young Cubans attending a party in Havana were asked about their musical preferences, and their answers may leave some astonished. Influencer Alfredo Castellanos conducted a brief survey with a single question: Who is the greatest artist to come out of Cuba?
The consensus among the youth pointed towards reggaeton artists, with Bebeshito being the most frequently mentioned. Other names from the urban genre like Ja Rulay, El Chacal, El Kimi, Wampi, and El Taiger also came up. Notably absent from their responses were legends like Celia Cruz and Benny Moré; as well as Silvio Rodríguez, Pablo Milanés, Carlos Varela, Chucho Valdés, and even Juan Formel.
These iconic figures of Cuban culture were completely overlooked, leading to a wave of reactions in the comments section where numerous internet users expressed their shock and disapproval of the musical tastes of the younger generation. Castellanos himself asserted that, in his opinion, Celia Cruz holds the title of the greatest, a sentiment echoed by many users.
"This makes it clear that culture in Cuba has gone to hell!" exclaimed one man. "Every day we are getting worse in this country, even culturally," lamented a young man. "Such ignorance, considering the many greats Cuban music has produced," noted a young woman. "What a disrespect to Cuban culture. This shows how rotten the mindset of society is," stated another user.
Interestingly, for Yomil, the greatest Cuban artist is not a reggaeton artist like himself, but rather Benny Moré. In 2022, he paid tribute to the "Bárbaro del Ritmo" in his hometown of Santa Isabel de las Lajas, Cienfuegos, stating, "so that the blessing of the greatest of Cuba always accompanies me," on his Instagram profile.
Exploring Cuban Music and Culture Through Youth Perspectives
Why were iconic Cuban artists overlooked by the youth?
The younger generation has gravitated towards contemporary urban genres like reggaeton, which influences their preferences and overshadows the contributions of classic Cuban artists.
What impact does this have on Cuban culture?
This shift in musical taste highlights a cultural disconnect and raises concerns about the preservation and appreciation of Cuba’s rich artistic heritage.
How did the public react to the youth's preferences?
Many expressed dismay and concern over the lack of recognition for traditional Cuban music, seeing it as a sign of cultural decline.