Cuban singer-songwriter Raúl Torres has expressed his disappointment and discontent after visiting the Cuban Music Museum and discovering the absence of any reference to his work in the institution. In a social media post, the musician conveyed his frustration over what he perceives as an unjust omission of his legacy in the country's musical landscape.
Approximately fifteen days ago, Torres recounted visiting the museum with a group of friends. As they toured the exhibits, he was impressed by the quality, cleanliness, and meticulous chronology of Cuban music history on display. However, his excitement turned to dismay when he reached the section dedicated to the trova genre and noticed that his name was nowhere to be found. "Not a photo, not a memory, not a mention," he wrote.
He noted that the museum guides barely recognized him, with one even asking who he was. "This has been a significant blow for me," admitted the musician. Torres stated that he does not expect apologies or corrections but that the experience has prompted deep reflection on his career and his place within Cuban culture. He mentioned that he once considered donating the guitar he used to compose a song dedicated to Fidel Castro to the museum, but now plans to pass it on to his family.
"I always knew that radicalizing my thoughts and expressing my opinions would cause issues, but I never imagined it would go this far," the musician wrote. He found it ironic to see other artists represented in the museum who, according to him, have criticized the Cuban government, while his work was ignored. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that these musicians also deserve recognition for their artistic quality.
Known for his loyalty to the government, Torres has sparked controversy in the past due to his political stance and admiration for Fidel Castro. In 2024, he returned to social media with a message urging the regime to "change everything that needs to be changed," seemingly a veiled critique of the state's management. At that time, he asserted that the people "need a profound action to save their project" and expressed concern over the growing disaffection of many artists with the system. He accused social media of "bombarding with manipulated propaganda" and influencing many of his colleagues' mindset shifts.
Raúl Torres has been a controversial figure within Cuban music, especially for his song "Cabalgando con Fidel," a propagandistic piece that drew sharp criticism both inside and outside the island. The episode of his omission from the Cuban Music Museum appears to have led him to reassess certain aspects of his career and his relationship with the country's cultural institutions.
"This is a call for reflection, not just for me, but for those responsible for preserving and honoring our musical history," he concluded in his message.
Raúl Torres and the Cuban Music Museum
Why is Raúl Torres disappointed with the Cuban Music Museum?
Raúl Torres is disappointed because he found no reference to his work in the Cuban Music Museum, which he sees as an unjust omission of his contribution to Cuban music.
What has been Raúl Torres' reaction to his exclusion?
Raúl Torres expressed his frustration and disappointment through social media, reflecting deeply on his career and his standing in Cuban culture.
How has Raúl Torres' political stance affected his career?
Raúl Torres' loyalty to the Cuban government and his admiration for Fidel Castro have made him a controversial figure, influencing public perception and his representation in cultural institutions.