Roberto Ferrante, the music producer and CEO of Planet Records, has sparked controversy on social media with an Instagram post where he privately messaged Bebeshito—the stage name of Oniel—calling him "the greatest Cuban artist of all time," overshadowing legends like Benny Moré and Celia Cruz.
The statement followed a sold-out performance by the reggaeton artist last Saturday at Miami's Kaseya Center, one of the city’s most prestigious venues, drawing in thousands of fans for a massive concert.
In a WhatsApp chat screenshot, Ferrante congratulated the singer for "the great success" of the previous night, asserting that his greatness surpasses both current and past historical figures. Alongside the image, Ferrante shared a multilingual text in Spanish, Italian, and English, predicting backlash for his bold claim:
"I know criticism will pour in now, but I don't care. I feel compelled to publicly express my thoughts about this artist of mine: a bit rebellious, but undoubtedly visionary and historic."
Mixed Reactions
The post quickly attracted a flood of comments with sharply divided opinions. While some users lauded the producer’s words, the majority were critical.
Many took issue with the comparison to Cuban music icons. "What a disrespect to the career and history of Celia and Benny, please show respect," one remarked. Others chimed in: "Bebeshito is great, but Benny and Celia Cruz are on another level," "You must be out of your mind," "You're fried like a potato," "Seems exaggerated, more than Celia and Benny Moré, please no," "Hey, respect Celia Cruz and Benny Moré," and "I love Bebeshito, but not like this." Comparisons were also made to Michael Jackson, with calls for "respect as we are discussing cultural heritage, not a list of urban music."
Some comments were more biting: "Throughout history, every dog owner has believed their dog is the best. Between substances, stimulants, and free time, this man has every reason to speak that way" and "We will see horrors." Others jokingly added, "You're so annoying, pal" or "This is how unnecessary controversies start."
Amid jokes, criticisms, and praises, Ferrante's post not only ignited a heated debate online but also highlighted that, for many, equating Bebeshito with the legends of Cuban music remains a bold and hard-to-support claim.
Understanding the Controversy Around Ferrante's Claims
Why did Roberto Ferrante's statement cause controversy?
Ferrante's claim that Bebeshito is the greatest Cuban artist of all time, surpassing icons like Celia Cruz and Benny Moré, was seen as disrespectful and exaggerated by many, igniting debate on social media.
What was the reaction to Ferrante's Instagram post?
The reaction was mixed, with some praising Bebeshito's achievements while others criticized the comparison to historical Cuban music legends, calling it an overstatement.
How did Ferrante respond to anticipated criticism?
Ferrante anticipated criticism in his multilingual post, stating that he felt compelled to express his opinion about Bebeshito, despite knowing the backlash it might cause.