The iconic Casa de la Música Habana, a cultural hub overseen by the Empresa de Grabaciones y Ediciones Musicales (EGREM), has issued an official statement condemning a "negative incident" that transpired during a performance on Monday, December 16. The disruption occurred when a performer from the urban music scene, known on social media as "Dícelo Were," took the stage without permission. After grabbing the microphone, he used obscene language in front of the audience, according to a statement released on Facebook by the venue.
Eyewitnesses reported that the artist improvised a song with offensive phrases like "everyone with their d*** out," sparking outrage among the attendees. A spectator captured the incident on video, which quickly spread across platforms like Instagram and Facebook, provoking a wave of criticism from Cuban artists and intellectuals. These individuals voiced their discontent and lodged complaints with various institutional profiles within the country's cultural system, as highlighted in the venue's statement.
The altercation took place during an evening featuring scheduled performances by popular acts #Nivel21 and Wildey, who were advertised with an entrance fee of 1,500 Cuban pesos as part of the year-end festivities. It appears the urban artist's impromptu performance was not part of the official program.
In their official note, Casa de la Música Habana, located on Galiano Street, expressed strong disapproval of the incident and reiterated its commitment to a policy of "zero tolerance towards behaviors that do not align with the respectful and creative essence of Cuban popular music."
"We categorically reject such displays of vulgarity and disrespect that do not represent the inherent values of our cultural identity," declared the venue's management. They also indicated that administrative actions have been taken against both the artist and the employees responsible for maintaining order and operation at the venue.
EGREM assured the public that it would continue to provide a platform for diverse genres, as long as artists adhere to the established rules, in line with Cuban cultural policy. The organization also emphasized that this isolated incident does not reflect the institution's daily operations or its commitment to quality performances at the venue.
Nonetheless, this official statement has sparked debate among the venue's patrons, who question, "Where were the staff and management? Did the 'artist' enter and perform unnoticed by anyone? Who allowed him to bark, I mean sing? Could no one simply turn off the microphone and remove the 'artist' from the stage?" Some argue that the apology was issued only because of public outcry and the video's viral spread on social media.
Others recalled a previous incident involving Emilio Frías (El Niño y la Verdad) when he attempted to perform the song "Cambio"—addressing Cuba's migration crisis—and was prohibited by the venue. The censorship against El Niño y La Verdad occurred on September 10, 2022, at Casa de la Música on Galiano Street, Havana. As Frías prepared to sing the new track, the nightclub's management interrupted his performance, turned on the lights, and expelled the group's sound engineer from the premises.
Images of this unpleasant episode circulated widely on social media. Cuban artists and fans of the orchestra expressed their support for Frías and condemned the Cuban state's repression against those who hold critical views of its governance.
Controversial Incidents at Havana's Casa de la Música
What was the incident involving Dícelo Were at Casa de la Música Habana?
Dícelo Were, an urban music artist, took the stage without authorization and used obscene language, which was captured on video and widely criticized.
How did Casa de la Música Habana respond to the incident?
The venue issued a statement rejecting the behavior, took administrative action against those responsible, and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward disrespectful conduct.
What previous censorship incident at Casa de la Música is mentioned?
The article references a 2022 incident where Emilio Frías (El Niño y la Verdad) was prohibited from performing a song about Cuba's migration crisis.