Countless criticisms and even mockery have erupted among Cubans on social media following the government-run Roundtable discussion dedicated to the "reparto" music genre. Once censored and deemed marginal, it now seems to have become a source of national pride. As clips from the official program, aired this past Friday, began circulating, skepticism was immediate. The spotlight, however, is on Chocolate MC, from whom an explosive reaction is anticipated upon seeing his name mentioned in the Roundtable.
Comments flooded in, such as "Let Chocolate find out!"; "Wow Pedro on the Roundtable, now I've seen it all"; "A victory for Chocolate MC"; "They're all little chocolates walking around"; "They should have interviewed Choco to find out where it all started"; "Chocolate is definitely a wild one"; "Talking about reparto is talking about me. Sincerely, Chocolate MC"; "Tribute to Chocolate MC on the silly table"; "And to think Chocolate was censored from the start"; "Oh boy, now Chocolate is really going to react"; "Bebeshito on the news and Ja Rulay on the Roundtable, soon El Payaso will be on Palmas y Cañas," users remarked online.
The program featured several "reparto" artists, including El Taiger, Oniel Bebeshito, Ja Rulay, Charly & Johayron, Chocolate MC, Dany Ome, and Kevincito el 13. Despite many of these artists having significant portions of their careers boosted in Miami, the program's attendees boasted that it is a "Cuban music consumed by all social classes" on the island.
Many netizens pointed out the irony of the Roundtable dedicating a program to this topic amid the widespread crisis gripping the island: "With so many problems, this must be a joke"; "In Cuba, there can't be bigger problems than reggaeton songs. I don't understand why they're giving it visibility now. I remember years ago when El Chacal was harshly criticized on the news for a song, and Osmani faced severe criticism in Granma"; "Is this the Roundtable or a podcast?"; "Cuba is without electricity, and they're talking about reparto"; "If a country with so many issues uses a TV program to discuss this, they truly have a distorted reality. This is truly shameful."
Key Points on the "Reparto" Roundtable Discussion
Why was the Roundtable discussion on "reparto" music criticized?
The discussion was criticized because many Cubans feel it trivializes the significant issues facing the island by focusing on a music genre instead of the pressing crises affecting daily life.
Who is Chocolate MC?
Chocolate MC is a prominent figure in the "reparto" music scene, known for his controversial and bold persona. His reaction to being mentioned in the Roundtable is eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike.
What is "reparto" music?
"Reparto" music is a genre that originated in Cuba, often associated with reggaeton and urban rhythms. It is known for its energetic beats and lyrics reflecting the everyday life and culture of Cuban neighborhoods.