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• Arts and Culture
• Music
• 11 / 02 / 2007

The most recent production of Nassiry Lugo is a notable mark of maturity. I don't deny that before and with several singles, the talent of Nassiry Lugo and his group, Moneda dura, was evident. Fans collected their songs and recordings anxious to share interesting ideas on today's world, the intelligence of the compositions and, why not, the wit and high degree of communication of Moneda dura, began earning a privileged place in the taste of young Cubans.

But it is the consensus of the critics that Alma sin bolsillo (2007production of Alejo Stivel and EGREM) is a sure sign of maturity in the work of the group. Also, strictly from a musical point of view (greater subtlety of harmony, by opposing and blending the linearity of the melodies; a better use of the loop effect, etc.), but, above all, for its force, veracity and depth of most lyrics included in the volume.

Alma sin bolsillo has beautiful subjects such as Los ojos de Aitana, a tender song that Nassiry dedicates to his daughter; Yo soy el rey where the story of a loss of love serves as an excuse to delve into social relations; Háblame de amor, where he champions, from beauty to the harshness of his rap; even a conventional ballad well composed such as Al sudeste which is so popular on the radio. Now, the record. Two tracks seem particularly relevant: Y no hago nada and Mala leche.

Y no hago nada is a more intense ballad, much more so than Al sudeste. In that song Nassiry deals with the impotence of some young people - and not so young - who grew up one day according to a group of values and will continue to grow with those values but they suddenly find in the street a love that can cost five, ten and fifteen dollars, on the low side. The lyrics are simply spectacular.

The subject of the ballad can only share their uneasiness and impotence. He adores her but she leaves. She leaves after legal messages of love, as Serrat would have said. We listen in Y no hago nada: But my love cannot buy you a plane/ My hands are not enough for your illusion/ I just look at you and let you go, and do nothing/ And it is just that my love is blind and not your stomach/ My love in time was lost/ I only have you and let you live/ And I don't do anything

My kingdom for this ballad. How much uncertainty we often feel, those who give priority to the spiritual values of people and, in reality, often is not with us. Y no hago nada is a beautiful testimony of the times.

As is, in its way, Mala leche. In Mala leche we would have to distinguish among the accidents of the words and the spirit and deep philosophy that gives breath to the subject. The words comment, from the grace of humor and the disheartened power of the parody, dozens of problems in the lives of Cubans today: the bus which doesn't show up, the blackouts (much less, thank God), the electricity bill which shoots up, etc., etc. All of this, although true, is secondary aside from the main idea of social problems, the black holes of every day; we don't add the poor treatment, the abuse, the "mala leche".

It calls on the best Cuban tradition, regarding solidarity, fraternity, unselfishness: We come from a unique lineage in the world/ We are warm and it burns deep inside/ Tell me, why don't we treat each other like brothers ... Ending with an emotional verse that explains it all: My heart beats when they call me a Cuban. This verse is the feeling of thousands of Cubans in this world: aware that only honest and profound criticism can improve society, without complacency, without triumphalism, fighting and standing on tip toe to prevent anyone from stepping on our heads; but here, with our own, sharing in the lot and future of Cuba, that is our disease and our illusion, a love that goes beyond everything.

The video for Mala leche simply gave view to this spirit. Nassiry appears like a showman where other known singer-songwriters go through constant transformations in their videos. Using few visual effects, in a careful work of postproduction, the video comments, with enormous sympathies and a full play of cultural references, on the many hallucinating situations which the subject describes. And it concludes placing emphasis on what was to the point: No to the mala leche! This video became, due to the inventiveness of his imagery and deep seriousness that presupposes his statement, Nassiry Lugo's best audiovisual work.

It would be naïve to hide the discussion provoked by Mala leche. Several colleagues considered the video inappropriate, excessive even statements like this: "There is vulgarity from the very title of Mala leche." For me I don't know how far the ghost of vulgarity will reach; how long will we continue to deny the legitimate source of popular slang, expressions common among Cubans (in this case it is extended throughout the Spanish world). Although, of course, that was not the criteria to ban the video but was the failure to understand the willingness of prophylaxis and social criticism that is obvious in the subject. There seem to be two possible positions: hide, bury problems; or discuss them with transparency and with firmness.

I am not going into the reasons which, at one time, disqualified Mala leche. I don't share them at all, but I respect them. It has nothing to do with inverting exclusions or even less revanchism. The colleagues who do not like Mala leche have every right in the world to also express and defend their opinions. Where I do want to call a halt is in the legitimacy of the procedure that achieved, in this case, that the video be transmitted, analyzed and debated with total spontaneity.

Let's put aside the den of iniquity, of slander and cheapness that the Internet has become in other discussions, which end up with personal remarks, political reprisals and all lacking in moderation. The digital forum which Mala leche has provoked on the Intranet was characterized from the very beginning by frankness, clean and intellectual honesty. From the first comment signed by a young producer (emotionally entitled, "By which Cubans?") to statements of other prestigious directors such as Lester Hamlet, Ian Padrón, Pavel Giroud, Orlando Cruzata, et. al., more than a dozen messages of solidarity expressed by top ranking personalities of Cuban culture, this debate was typified by its class, its genuine cultural content, its high esthetics. There is always an intemperate person who takes it up but that is not the norm.

Result: effectiveness of reflection, continuity of open and sincere discussion in important institutions of Cuban culture and finally, the transmission of Mala leche where it belonged aside any other video interested in thinking of our reality. The Mala leche case points to several things: one, we should not keep quiet and bow our heads to all; two, we must know how to discuss with responsibility and culture, with an attitude of contribution and ethics. And, three, there are things that are definitely changing in this country and we must be aware of these changes.

Left behind are the times that defense of the sovereign project was an excuse to prevent necessary changes. What threatens the project of sovereignty is lies, irrationality, and the betrayal of simplicity. I think that today there are many more who defend sovereignty from the point of view of necessity and change: No to change which destroys achievements and moves backwards and playful form. Yes to a change which opens doors, that is the dynamics of Cuban mentality, which aspires to a more participative society where everyone is listened to with respect.

The change that fights against Mala leche holds us from moving forward.

Changes yes; changes for the good of all.

Source: By Rufo Caballero, Juventud Rebelde