Cuban rapper and political prisoner Maykel "Osorbo" Castillo has reached out from behind bars with a heartfelt plea for his supporters to help celebrate his daughter Jade de la Caridad's tenth birthday. Jade recently departed Cuba with her mother, heading to the United States.
In a poignant audio message shared on his social media, Osorbo reflected on the last time he could celebrate his daughter's birthday, which was her fifth. Since then, due to political persecution and his imprisonment, he has been unable to share these special moments with her.
"This August 22 marks my daughter's tenth birthday. It's a crucial age for me because I started facing many challenges and wandering through life at that same age. Now, my daughter is reaching that milestone," Osorbo expressed.
The artist, who was sentenced to nine years in prison for his activism and involvement in the anthem "Patria y Vida," urged his followers to connect with him "from the funk" and personally deliver a gift to his daughter as a gesture of support and affection.
"I need your strength, I need to know how many of us are united... I want you to post birthday wishes on Facebook, visit my page where my daughter's photo is. I love you all, blessings," he added.
A Story of Separation and Resilience
Osorbo's daughter, Jade de la Caridad, has become a powerful yet gentle voice in the fight for her father's freedom. In 2022, at just seven years old, she touched the hearts of thousands of Cubans and the international community by sending a plea to the Summit of the Americas, seeking help for her father's release: "My dad is imprisoned just for singing a song. I love him so much, and I miss him."
The video, shared by artists like Yotuel Romero, struck a chord within a community deeply affected by exile, family separation, and the anguish of seeing loved ones jailed for their beliefs.
In June 2024, Jade and her mother successfully left Cuba for the United States, a move celebrated as a personal triumph amid their family's ongoing turmoil.
The co-author of "Patria y Vida" is serving a nine-year sentence imposed in 2022 for alleged offenses such as "assault" and "public disorder." Numerous international organizations have denounced his trial as a direct retaliation against his art and activism.
Questions about Maykel Osorbo and His Family's Struggle
Why is Maykel Osorbo imprisoned?
Maykel Osorbo is serving a nine-year prison sentence for his activism and participation in the song "Patria y Vida," which has been seen as critical of the Cuban government.
How did Osorbo's daughter advocate for his release?
Jade de la Caridad, Osorbo's daughter, sent a message to the Summit of the Americas asking for help to free her father, touching many with her heartfelt plea.
What significance does Jade's tenth birthday hold for Osorbo?
Osorbo considers his daughter's tenth birthday significant as he faced many challenges and began his life's journey at that age, making it an important milestone for him.