Cuban writer César Pérez (born in Vueltas, Villa Clara, 1973) took to Facebook on January 4 to share his poem, "What's Up with Canel?" which humorously critiques the Cuban government's overemphasis on hotel development. Under the leadership of Raúl Castro's successor, investments in tourism in 2024 were 14 times greater than those in Health and Social Services.
In a rapid turn of events, a Facebook user known as Edmundo Dantés Jr transformed the poem into a song using Artificial Intelligence, while Liset Leonor Sánchez, a friend of Pérez, skillfully compiled a montage with images sourced from the internet. The resulting song has been well-received among Cubans.
The poem was inspired after Pérez, who has made Camagüey his home, read about the construction of a new high-rise hotel, the Hotel K23, featuring 42 stories and hundreds of rooms, located in Vedado, Havana. This is just one of many pieces he shares on his Facebook page for the enjoyment of his friends, without any desire for 'likes' or recognition. Pérez is known for his effortless wordplay, sharp memory, and a dark humor that contrasts with his gentle appearance.
Edmundo Dantés Jr elaborated on Facebook that the poem's final segment, which references Sara González, inspired him to add music to what is becoming a new headache for the Machi-Díaz-Canel family. The fusion of music and visuals impressed Pérez. "I love the popular touch of the music and the striking images; they align perfectly with the text and reflect Cuba in 2025. What amazed me most was the speed of the production and how well it turned out. It's a prime example of technology serving as a tool for protest," he told CiberCuba.
César Pérez studied Journalism in Havana during the Special Period. Besides being a poet, he is a playwright, translator, and is working on his first novel. He holds master's degrees in Hispanic Literatures from both the University of Iowa and Harvard, with a focus on medieval literature. Since 2004, he has resided in Boston, Massachusetts. His debut book, "La capital del sol," available on Amazon, was a holiday hit in Madrid. Pérez has contributed to CiberCuba and engaged in discussions with its community. From the United States, he has supported the San Isidro Movement, particularly its leaders Maykel Osorbo and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, both imprisoned in Cuba since July 11, 2021. His dedication to Cuban freedom and literature is unwavering. He is considered a unique figure within Cuban culture, drawn irresistibly to popular culture and speech, as demonstrated by "What's Up with Canel?"
Frequently Asked Questions about "What's Up with Canel?"
Who is César Pérez?
César Pérez is a Cuban poet, playwright, and translator who studied Journalism in Havana and holds master's degrees in Hispanic Literatures from Iowa and Harvard. He is currently based in Boston, Massachusetts.
What inspired the poem "What's Up with Canel?"
The poem was inspired by the Cuban government's disproportionate investment in hotel development, particularly after Pérez read about the new Hotel K23 in Havana.
How was the poem turned into a song?
A Facebook user named Edmundo Dantés Jr used Artificial Intelligence to set the poem to music, and Liset Leonor Sánchez created a visual montage to accompany it.