The Cuban reggaeton artist Ovi, whose real name is Ovidio Crespo, recently voiced his strong opinions about President Donald Trump during an interview with radio host Enrique Santos. Ovi shared his mixed feelings about Trump's policies, particularly concerning the treatment of immigrants. Having moved to the United States from Cuba, Ovi spoke from his own experience as a Latino and as a public figure with a distinctive urban image.
"I'm confused because I don’t like that people are being jailed just for a tattoo. This isn't Cuba. This is a free country," Ovi stated, highlighting his own extensive tattoos, including those on his face. "I'm an artist. I'm not a gangster or a criminal. I'm a singer, and I have an image. Justin Bieber has dozens of tattoos," he added, defending the right to aesthetic expression without facing criminalization.
The singer criticized the detention of individuals, such as some Venezuelans, based solely on their appearance, describing it as a form of discrimination. "To me, that's racism. They talk about connections. It's not fair," he said, clearly opposing policies that, in his view, judge people by their looks.
Ovi's Changing Views on Trump's Presidency
During the interview, Enrique Santos asked Ovi about his current stance on Donald Trump's presidency, now in its second term. Ovi was candid: "I supported him during the first term; the country was doing well. But it pains me for my immigrant brothers and sisters, because I am an immigrant." He criticized the increasingly harsh rhetoric and actions against migrants, especially Cubans still arriving in search of a better life.
"He's being tough on immigrants when there are Americans who are crazy and killers, too. Immigrants are fighters, good, humble people who don't steal and contribute to this country," the artist declared, defending a community that, according to him, gives more than it receives acknowledgment for.
Ovi's Thoughts on the Urban Music Scene
Closing the interview, Ovi also discussed Oniel Bebeshito, praising his achievements in the urban music industry: "He's doing things that almost no artist is doing. He's selling out stadiums. That should be celebrated. To do what he does, you need money." However, he also took a subtle jab at producer Ferrante: "I don't know him, nor am I interested. Even Bebeshito and I started working on something, but Ferrante doesn't let him record with me."
Ovi's Perspective on Immigration and Artistic Freedom
What concerns did Ovi express about Trump's immigration policies?
Ovi expressed concern about the harsh treatment of immigrants under Trump's policies, particularly criticizing policies that target individuals based on their appearance, which he views as discriminatory.
How does Ovi defend the right to aesthetic expression?
Ovi defends the right to aesthetic expression by pointing out that tattoos, which are part of his personal and artistic image, should not be grounds for criminalization in a free country.