The recent performance by Oniel Bebeshito at the Pitbull Stadium in Miami, which drew a crowd of 20,000, has sparked a conversation among Cuban state media journalists about the influence of urban music on the music industry and its cultural significance.
Ana Teresa Badía from Radio Rebelde took to Facebook to highlight the young artist's achievement, stating, "Never before has a Cuban from the urban genre headlined a show of such magnitude in the United States."
In a post shared by fellow state media journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, Badía contemplated the need for more inclusive cultural policies that foster solid artistic education and promote lyrics that are "less crude and more contributive." Badía acknowledged that the genre known as "repartero" is a cultural, sociological, and communicational phenomenon that cannot be ignored, despite her previous criticisms of the movement's lyrics and symbols. Nonetheless, she emphasized that Oniel Bebeshito's success in Miami signifies a milestone in the Cuban music scene.
Meanwhile, journalist Oni Acosta Llerena shared his thoughts in a comment on the post, adopting a more analytical perspective. He pointed out that context is crucial when evaluating the reach of these musical phenomena, saying, "Twenty thousand people in Miami, the epicenter of reggaeton and repartition for audiences of Cuban and Latino origin, is not a definitive measure."
Acosta Llerena also suggested that the real challenge would be to fill iconic venues like the Olympia in Paris or Carnegie Hall, which would imply a broader validation of the genre.
Both journalists agreed on the importance of examining what is promoted and consumed in Cuba, making it clear that although reggaeton and "reparto" generate debate, their massive impact is undeniable. For some, this concert represents an opportunity to reconsider the relationship between cultural institutions and contemporary music genres.
The Cultural Impact of Oniel Bebeshito's Miami Concert
Why is Oniel Bebeshito's concert in Miami significant?
The concert is significant because it marks the first time a Cuban artist from the urban genre has headlined a show of this magnitude in the United States, drawing a large audience and sparking discussions about the cultural and musical impact of urban music.
What are the criticisms of urban music genres like reggaeton and "repartero"?
Critics often point to the crude language and symbols associated with these genres. There are calls for more inclusive cultural policies that encourage artistic expressions with more positive and contributive lyrics.