Cuban musician Emilio Frías, an active member of the secret society Abakuá, has offered a candid explanation for why members of this ancient brotherhood have not openly rebelled against Cuba's communist regime. In a conversation with actress Claudia Valdés, Frías delved into a topic that has sparked numerous questions both within the Cuban diaspora and on the island itself: Why don't the Abakuás, known for their strong code of brotherhood and honor, rise against the regime?
"The Abakuás aren't superheroes," Frías declared. The leader of the band El Niño y La Verdad dismantled the notion that this religious society, with roots tracing back to African traditions brought to Cuba by Calabar slaves, holds any political or revolutionary duty in today's context.
Religion, Not Politics
Frías insisted that the Abakuás define themselves not by political roles but by a lifestyle rooted in loyalty, respect, discipline, and the protection of their own. "Our religion isn't about politics. It's about the fundamental concepts of man, and a man should protect his family. That's the core of a man, beyond—unfortunately—his homeland or country," he asserted.
In this vein, the artist emphasized that each individual, Abakuá or not, should be aware of the country's reality based on their moral reasoning. "Feelings of patriotism and independence arise in individuals, whether they're Abakuás or not," he expressed.
The Challenge of Misunderstandings
Frías lamented the judgments and demands placed on members of this brotherhood. "Many people are harsh about it. They say, 'Look at all the Abakuás, and no one does anything,'” he noted. “But they're Abakuás, not Batman. If an Abakuá protests, they'll face the same consequences as anyone else, Abakuá or not."
For Frías, being an Abakuá doesn't grant privileges or supernatural powers. "The Abakuá doesn't give you a shield or powers. It's a way of life you must respect and uphold the codes," he explained. He added that if those codes drive someone to act against injustice, it's admirable but not a collective obligation.
Reclaiming the Ñáñigos' Image
This isn't the first time Emilio Frías has spoken out to dispel stigmas surrounding the Abakuás, also known as ñáñigos. Earlier this year, he shared a reflection on social media to debunk misconceptions linking this brotherhood with violence or marginality.
"Being an Abakuá isn't about being troublesome or confrontational, carrying weapons, or showing superiority over others," he wrote. "It's about being an upright man in society, a good father, a good son, a good ecobio, and even a good enemy."
The musician recalled his early connections to this ancestral tradition, attending religious gatherings in neighborhoods with strong ñáñigo traditions such as Los Pocitos, Pogolotti, Regla, and Guanabacoa, among others. "Born into this culture, viewed poorly by some and admired and respected by others, I've traversed nearly all of Cuba's plantes," he noted.
In his view, the true essence of an Abakuá lies in ethical behavior: "Being an Abakuá isn't a title to hang on a wall... it's about being free men of good customs, a model of manhood in society."
Balancing Loyalty and Survival
Emilio Frías' statements offer an honest insight into the tensions faced by members of this secret society against social expectations, both inside and outside of Cuba. In a context where public and religious figures are increasingly called upon to take political stances, Frías advocates for a deeper understanding of the existential dilemma many Cubans face: How to balance duty to the homeland without endangering the family?
With direct discourse, the singer highlights an uncomfortable reality: in a dictatorship, individual courage may be admirable but is rarely sufficient. His call, ultimately, is not for silence but for understanding.
Understanding the Abakuá Perspective
Why don't the Abakuás openly rebel against the Cuban regime?
The Abakuás are not defined by political roles; their focus is on loyalty, respect, and protecting their own. Rebelling could endanger their members without creating meaningful change.
What is the core philosophy of the Abakuá society?
The Abakuá society is based on principles of loyalty, respect, discipline, and protection of their community, rather than political activism.
How does Emilio Frías view the role of an Abakuá in society?
Frías sees being an Abakuá as embodying ethical behavior and integrity, not as a position of privilege or power.