A power outage during a concert by reggaeton artist Yomil in Santiago de Cuba once again underscored the vulnerability of the national electrical grid and its direct impact on the country's cultural life amid an ongoing energy crisis. The incident, which occurred during a nighttime performance by the popular urban artist, left the audience bewildered and temporarily halted the show, as seen in a video shared on social media by independent communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
This is not an isolated event. Concerts featuring artists such as Ivette Cepeda, Frank Delgado, Cándido Fabré, and the Aragón Orchestra have also been disrupted by power cuts in various parts of the country in recent months. Even groups like the Septeto Santiaguero have been forced to cancel scheduled performances.
The Intersection of Politics and Music
The case of Yomil draws particular attention, not only because of his popularity among young audiences but also due to the ambiguity of his stance toward the Cuban regime. Although he has avoided explicitly identifying as either an opponent or supporter of the regime, his involvement in debates promoted by official cultural entities has sparked controversy and criticism from various sectors, including the Cuban diaspora.
His participation, alongside figures like Yulien Oviedo, in meetings organized by official entities to discuss the role of "reparto" and other urban genres suggests an official strategy to co-opt popular artists and link them to their propaganda apparatus.
A Shifting Official Stance on Reggaeton
This development contrasts with the regime's historical attitude toward reggaeton and its offshoots, which were once labeled as "vulgar" and "alien to national identity." Now, faced with the undeniable popularity and social entrenchment of the genre, regime media and spokespeople— including Lis Cuesta, wife of the appointed ruler—have transitioned from censorship to praise, even calling for the cultural appropriation of the urban movement.
Energy Crisis and Its Impact on Entertainment
However, the precarious power situation imposes visible limits on this effort. In the midst of the worst energy crisis the island has faced since the 1990s, blackouts impact not only homes and production centers but also the already diminished entertainment sector.
For many Cubans, attending a concert represents a rare opportunity for escape or distraction, which is thwarted by the lack of basic guarantees. Thus, while the regime attempts to use artists like Yomil to polish its image among disillusioned youth, the harsh reality of power outages—affecting culture and leisure—once again reveals the severe structural issues of a crisis that even music cannot mask.
Key Issues Surrounding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Cultural Impact
How does the energy crisis affect cultural events in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba leads to frequent power outages, which disrupt cultural events like concerts, impacting both artists and audiences by halting performances and diminishing leisure opportunities.
Why is Yomil's stance on the Cuban regime controversial?
Yomil's stance is controversial because he has not clearly defined his position as either opposing or supporting the Cuban regime, yet participates in debates promoted by official entities, leading to criticism and debates about his political alignment.
What strategies is the Cuban regime using to engage with popular artists?
The Cuban regime is attempting to engage with popular artists by involving them in discussions about urban music genres and seeking to culturally appropriate these movements as part of a broader propaganda strategy.