Urban music artist El Uniko has unleashed a series of sharp critiques on social media against music producer Dale Pututi and the renowned duo Gente de Zona. He accused them of cultural appropriation, claiming they are wrongly positioning themselves as leaders of the reparto genre, which he argues they do not genuinely represent.
Through an Instagram post, El Uniko defended his role in the genre's evolution and questioned why artists with greater international visibility adopt the reparto style and name to promote their music, despite not actively participating in its grassroots development from Cuban neighborhoods.
"Dale Pututi, my brother, I don't consider myself more of a 'repartero' than you. The difference is I am a repartero... you simply are not. You're someone with influence who has wisely surrounded yourself with those who truly are. That's not a bad thing, but it doesn't make you part of the movement," he stated.
Criticism of Gente de Zona
El Uniko also directed his criticism toward Gente de Zona, whom he referred to as Pututi's "bosses." He took issue with their recent album release: "You and your bosses, Gente de Zona, have been in the wrong for a while. You released an album called 'REPARTO,' and you have the right to sing it. But naming it 'REPARTO' and leveraging your international influence to market it as if you're the genre's ambassadors... that's a different story. That's cultural appropriation, and it becomes more apparent when in every interview you claim 'your reparto is more musical,' as if that places you above the true essence of reparto, as if what those of us from the grassroots create holds no artistic value. Not only do you take the credit, but you also undervalue the genuine essence of the real reparto."
He clarified that his statements were not aimed at the new generation of the genre: "This message isn't for the young talents in reparto. They deserve respect and have the right to build their own history. My message is for those who turned their backs on reparto for years and now, just because the genre is profitable, want to sell themselves as its leaders. That's not inspiration. That's opportunism."
Controversy Stemming from Billboard Latin's Article
The controversy erupted following a Billboard Latin publication that recognized reparto as a musical movement born in Cuba's neighborhoods. The article featured a list of 31 genre exponents, including artists who, according to El Uniko and others, do not authentically represent the genre.
In response to the controversy, Dale Pututi called for unity among Cuban artists and urged them to move beyond internal divisions to celebrate the genre's newfound recognition in the international music scene. However, El Uniko insisted he won't remain silent when he believes the history is being distorted and the genre's genuine origins are being erased: "Reparto has a face, it has a struggle, and it has a name. The truth always has an owner. And I will not stay quiet."
Understanding the Reparto Genre Controversy
What is the reparto genre?
Reparto is a musical genre that originated in the neighborhoods of Cuba. It is characterized by its unique rhythm and style, deeply rooted in the local culture and the experiences of the Cuban people.
Why did El Uniko criticize Dale Pututi and Gente de Zona?
El Uniko accused Dale Pututi and Gente de Zona of cultural appropriation and opportunism, claiming they are misrepresenting themselves as leaders of the reparto genre without having been part of its authentic development.
What sparked the controversy surrounding the reparto genre?
The controversy began after a Billboard Latin article recognized reparto as a Cuban musical movement but included artists whom El Uniko and others believe do not authentically represent the genre.