Aymée Nuviola Critiques the Impact of Portable Power Devices in Cuba

Cuban singer Aymée Nuviola has offered a powerful insight into the political implications of portable power devices in a Cuba plagued by endless blackouts. According to the artist, the EcoFlow—widely sent by exiles to mitigate power outages—ends up acting as an unintentional tool of social demobilization.

"Now that I have the EcoFlow, I can plug in the TV, charge cell phones, run a fan, and my problems are solved. I don't feel the need to go further," Nuviola expressed during an interview with Tania Costa for CiberCuba. This conversation coincided with the release of her latest album, recorded at the world-renowned jazz venue, Ronnie Scott's. She argued that those who receive these devices lose the drive to protest: "Why would I bother protesting or taking to the streets?"

However, the paradox extends further. Those without access to an EcoFlow also refrain from protesting, albeit for different reasons. "Those who don't have one often don't even have the energy to protest. It's a tough situation," she noted.

Nuviola attributes both scenarios to the same degradation process imposed by the Cuban regime. "That system has been numbing people, stripping away their desire to move forward, to live. There's nothing there; it's just about surviving," she asserted, describing a downward spiral of resignation. "People keep adapting to less and less, but they adapt nonetheless."

The singer was careful not to judge those who choose not to demonstrate. "One can't simply judge whether they are cowards or not. That's not my place. I don't know what I would have done if I were there now," she admitted candidly.

This reflection arises amidst the worst energy crisis in Cuba's recent history, with blackouts lasting between 20 and 32 hours daily in some areas. In August 2026, the generation deficit exceeded 2,400 MW, and March saw the sixth nationwide blackout in 18 months.

The EcoFlows sent by exiles are priced between $549 and over $1,150, making them unaffordable for the vast majority of Cubans on the island.

Nuviola also commented on the growing international interest in Cuba's situation. She recalled facing hostility in the past when discussing it in foreign media. "I remember once in Uruguay, on a radio program, a man asked if I was like Gloria Estefan and Willy Chirino, who speak ill of Cubans," she recounted. Her response was straightforward: "No, I am not like anyone. I came to talk about the reality of the country because I was asked. I bring my music, but if I need to tell the truth about my country, I must say it."

According to the artist, this climate has shifted significantly. Nowadays, international journalists do not shy away from the topic. "You go places, and they ask you, but now the question has a different focus. They ask, 'How do you see it? What do you think about the government's situation? The Cuban dictatorship.' They themselves steer it in that direction," she explained.

Moreover, Nuviola noted a "strong Christian awakening" in Spain recently, which she believes helps more people see the political reality of countries like Cuba. "There is a global awakening, and that's biblical," she stated.

This isn't the first time Nuviola has spoken out bluntly against the regime. In May 2026, she stated that Raúl Castro "needs to be removed by force," and in February, she called Díaz-Canel's rhetoric a "lie."

The interview with Tania Costa on Monday was conducted to mark the release of her live album, recorded at the legendary London club Ronnie Scott's, making Nuviola the first Cuban female soloist to achieve this feat.