Over the weekend, during a performance by Clan 537 at La Scala in Miami, Cuban rapper El Insurrecto (Leandro Medina) stirred up significant controversy by delivering a live diss track aimed at reggaeton artist Dany Ome. Dany Ome has recently performed on official stages in Cuba. During an impromptu freestyle, El Insurrecto declared, "On stage, I speak my truth. What's going on, coward? I don't stand for things like you. If you're fat, it's because you're eating well. What do you have, Dany Ome? Your mother was part of the Ladies in White, and now you go to Cuba pretending to be a saint. How far will you go? How long will this last?"
The clip, shared by @cubaurbanonoticias on Instagram, quickly went viral, sparking intense reactions online. One of the first to respond was singer-songwriter Descemer Bueno, who criticized El Insurrecto's actions in a comment. "As far as I know, El Insurrecto made a name for himself under the dictatorship by singing to the people and the neighborhood," Descemer wrote. "Dany Ome is exceptional at writing... if I were an executive at a multinational, I'd sign him. El Insurrecto's time has passed."
Descemer further branded El Insurrecto's diss as "pure jealousy," emphasizing that respect should exist among artists. Despite facing criticism for his own political stances and trips to Cuba, Descemer used the video snippet to bolster his position. "I never imagined that someone I always respected would stoop to this... Personally, it hasn't affected me or the 13 million people who listen to me each month on Spotify."
The Republic's Pen Strikes Back
El Insurrecto did not remain silent. He posted a black-background image containing a lengthy response, accusing Descemer of seeking attention, possessing "double standards," and being "washed up" as an artist. "That's why I'm distancing myself from social media. Cubans are too fond of gossip and chatter. Many beautiful things happened during the 2-hour and 40-minute concert, yet the focus is on the improvisation about those boys' controversial visit to Cuba," the rapper lamented.
His message to Descemer Bueno was harsh and unrestrained. "You're a hypocrite, a drunk serenading with a guitar. Don't mix me up with you. (...) You're just another tavern troubadour now. You succeed in duets because, solo, you don't make the cut. Your screeching voice is unsettling. Even if you're personal friends with Enrique Iglesias and a neighbor of Paulina Rubio, I won't let anything slide. (...) You're lucky you're a balladeer, or else I'd easily sweep the floor with you," he said, alluding to a rap battle.
"For me to diss you is like slapping a little girl. And that's punishable," he concluded. The post quickly gained traction online.
Music and Politics in Cuba: The Debate Continues
This clash between Descemer and El Insurrecto follows concerts by Dany Ome and Kevincito el 13 in Havana on July 18 and 19, held at Pabexpo with social media promotion and institutional support. They also performed in Santiago de Cuba. These events were attended by notable figures like Sandro Castro, Fidel Castro's grandson, and Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro (El Cangrejo), Raúl Castro's grandson.
Dany Ome's mother, Noelia Pedraza Jiménez, became a Lady in White after unexpectedly marrying former political prisoner Ariel Sigler Amaya. He later annulled the marriage and denied any emotional ties with her. This situation complicates the debate, as it's believed she used her position as an alleged dissident to leave Cuba and enter the United States with her family.
The controversy reignites the perennial issue of art and politics in Cuba. Should artists living abroad perform at venues controlled by the regime? What is the ethical responsibility of musicians who choose to perform on official stages, especially when their family backgrounds are linked to dissent?
Is this a case of censorship among artists, or is it a legitimate critique among Cubans? The debate rages on social media, with fans of each musician passionately defending their perspectives.
Key Questions About Cuban Music and Politics
Why did El Insurrecto criticize Dany Ome?
El Insurrecto criticized Dany Ome for performing on official stages in Cuba, despite his mother's previous involvement with the opposition group, the Ladies in White.
How did Descemer Bueno respond to El Insurrecto's diss track?
Descemer Bueno responded by criticizing El Insurrecto's actions as envious and emphasized the importance of mutual respect among artists.
What was the reaction on social media to the diss track?
The diss track quickly went viral, sparking intense reactions and debate among fans and critics on social media platforms.