Lis Cuesta Peraza, the Director of Events at the Ministry of Culture and wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, announced on her X account this Tuesday that musician Israel Rojas, the frontman of the group Buena Fe, will be participating in her class at the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA). This is part of an academic discussion focusing on Cultural Industries. "I've had a happy and productive exchange with Israel from B.F (Buena Fe). He will be joining my class at the ISA," Cuesta wrote, adding that the Management career will be "honored by creators who break barriers and have much to contribute."
This announcement came just 24 hours after Rojas's interview on La Joven Cuba's YouTube channel sparked a wave of criticism. Many saw it as a desperate attempt at "discursive realignment" within the regime. During the interview, Rojas spoke of national reconciliation and suggested the possibility of pardoning some of the July 11th detainees. However, he failed to mention the state's repression, violence, or authoritarianism that have characterized the regime in recent years.
Israel Rojas is well-known for his alignment with the government. He publicly supports the regime, denies the existence of political prisoners, and delegitimizes the July 11th protestors, aligning with the narrative that labels them as criminals or confused individuals. Even in 2023, he continued to evade the issue, saying, "Not that I know of," when asked about political prisoners. Consequently, his shift in rhetoric has been met with skepticism. Rather than a break from impunity, his words were seen as calculated ambiguity, serving the regime while remaining disconnected from the real pain experienced by thousands of Cuban families still seeking justice.
Rojas's sudden inclusion as a "reference" in Cuesta's classroom is viewed as another step in the regime's strategy to recycle worn-out figures by giving them space within institutions aligned with power while avoiding any fundamental questioning of the system. It is no coincidence that Lis Cuesta, a figure with no official title but notable influence in Cuban public life, is leading this symbolic rehabilitation. Her history is well-known, having transitioned from a cultural official in Holguín to an event organizer, accompanying Díaz-Canel on presidential tours, and being a staunch defender of Castroism on social media, where she has been involved in numerous scandals. These include calling Díaz-Canel the "dictator of my heart" and downplaying the impact of the 2022 energy crisis with insensitive remarks.
Cuesta's attempt to establish the ISA as a "space for debate" starkly contrasts with the institutional silence regarding the harassment, censorship, and forced exile of dozens of artists who dared to dissent.
Implications of Israel Rojas's Involvement at ISA
Why is Israel Rojas's participation at ISA significant?
Israel Rojas's participation is significant because it represents a possible alignment with the regime's strategy to integrate influential figures into its narrative, especially those previously perceived as controversial.
How have people reacted to Rojas's recent statements?
Rojas's recent statements have been met with skepticism and criticism, with many viewing them as a calculated attempt to adjust his rhetoric while remaining aligned with the regime's stance.
What role does Lis Cuesta play in Cuban public life?
Lis Cuesta holds significant influence in Cuban public life as the Director of Events at the Ministry of Culture and as a prominent defender of the regime, despite having no official title.