Cuban singer-songwriter William Vivanco recently announced his decision to relocate to Spain with his family, where he intends to continue his artistic endeavors. In a conversation with the independent portal Diario de Cuba, Vivanco shared that he has been residing in Madrid for approximately two months and has no immediate plans to return to the Island.
"I was able to leave Cuba with my wife and child, and now we are here. They will not be returning; I will go back to Cuba when I can, when I have the time," he stated. The musician expressed gratitude to Madrid for welcoming him and noted that he has plenty of work there, unlike in Cuba, where "there is no future," as many of his audience and generations who appreciate his music have moved to Europe or the United States.
"I want to showcase my art, collaborate with artists here, and I feel that in Cuba, I completed everything I needed to in this first stage of my life, which has been nearly 50 years (I am about to turn 50). For the next 50 years, I have something different in mind," he emphasized.
Born in Santiago de Cuba, William Vivanco rose to fame with his hit "Cimarrón" and its catchy refrain "Lo tengo to' pensa'o." He is known as one of Cuba's most versatile troubadours, with albums such as "Lo tengo to pensa'o," "La Isla Milagrosa," "El Mundo Está Cambia'o," and "Mejorana."
Exodus of Cuban Artists
In August 2023, musician Robertico Carcassés, director of the group Interactivo—which Vivanco was part of in Cuba—also decided to settle in Spain. "Everything happening in Cuba affects me like any other Cuban. Cuba is, as we would say, on fire. It has been on fire for many years. I’m going to take a break from the constant fire," he declared at the time.
Robertico denounced the regime's censorship and the decline of the Cuban cultural scene due to the mass exodus of talented artists. Around that time, he organized "the first Interactivo concert in the diaspora" in Madrid, featuring Cuban artists residing outside the country, primarily in Spain, who joined him on stage.
William Vivanco's Move to Spain: Key Questions
Why did William Vivanco move to Spain?
William Vivanco moved to Spain to continue his artistic career and because he sees no future in Cuba, as many of his audience have emigrated to Europe or the United States.
What impact has the Cuban regime had on artists like Vivanco?
The Cuban regime's censorship and the deteriorating cultural environment have driven many talented artists, including Vivanco, to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
Who is Robertico Carcassés?
Robertico Carcassés is a musician and director of the group Interactivo, which William Vivanco was once a part of in Cuba. He also moved to Spain due to the challenging cultural and political climate in Cuba.