Would You Move Back to Cuba if It Were Free? Aymée Nuviola Sparks Debate on Social Media

Cuban singer Aymée Nuviola stirred a lively discussion on social media over the weekend with a provocative question: "Would you move back to Cuba if it were free?" Her post on Facebook quickly amassed over 1,700 comments in less than a day, with many respondents firmly saying no.

Among those weighing in was Nuviola herself, who candidly stated, "I wouldn't return, at least not willingly." Her question struck a deep chord among the Cuban diaspora and recent migrants, serving as a collective reflection on the nation's future, identity, and persistent wounds despite the imagined prospect of a free Cuba.

Voices from the Community

As reactions poured in, some users offered more thoughtful responses. One such individual, Jesús Martínez Pérez, suggested, "Aymee Nuviola, it's neither healthy nor fair to entirely hate the place where we were born, because denying our roots is somewhat denying ourselves." To which the singer firmly replied, "This is not about hate. What does returning have to do with roots? We're only wanted there to send money."

Julio César Hernández Rodríguez expressed his sentiments, "Reading the comments brings me sadness and shame... I understand everyone’s perspective... those of us here hoping to see Cuba reborn... we've spent our youth here waiting for that day (which may never come), we'll fight for change and hope for a Cuba that welcomes immigrants instead of losing its people."

Challenges of a Free Cuba

Another user, María Costa, highlighted the cultural and social challenges of transitioning to freedom: "Even if Cuba were liberated tomorrow, it would take many years for the mindset of Cubans there to change and learn to live freely. Until then, Cuba won't truly be free."

Others, like Carlos Estrada, were more skeptical: "I would never live in Cuba... not even in this so-called free Cuba, because while the dictatorship could be overthrown, there's a deeper social decay hindering the country's progress."

Hopeful Perspectives

Conversely, Manuel González Viera provided a more nuanced view, emphasizing the need for a long, educational process: "It will be a journey. People need to be educated, to learn to live freely, to respect others' freedoms. Cuba must rid itself of hatred, poverty, and all that is detrimental, and that's a process."

He added, "We, Cubans in exile, educated by other systems and equipped to rebuild our country, will be largely committed to this project. Where else would I be more valuable than in my own free country? I am eternally grateful to the United States for allowing me to reinvent myself, have dignified employment, and live in freedom. But if all this could be transplanted to Cuba, that's where my heart lies."

Nuviola's Bold Statements

In May 2025, Aymée Nuviola surprised her followers with a musical parody mocking Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and his wife Lis Cuesta during their official visit to Russia. Her piano improvisation criticized Cuesta's flashy attire and Díaz-Canel's luxurious displays amidst Cuba's dire economic crisis. The piece, shared on Instagram, was celebrated for its irreverent tone, with the catchy phrase "son de tacón, de tacón" resonating among fans.

Back in December 2024, Nuviola took a stronger stance by publicly condemning the conditions of political prisoners in Cuba. She shared an image of young Cuban Yosvany González Viera, sentenced to seven years for speaking out against the government online. In her message, she denounced the Cuban regime's repression and voiced support for activists highlighting abuses in the island's prisons.