Fidel Castro's grandson, Sandro Castro, has once again found himself at the center of controversy after appearing in two videos shared by Venezuelan YouTuber Cazorla Espino. These videos, recorded in Cuba, were promoted on Instagram with the promise that Sandro "answers all the questions."
In the first clip, Sandro asserts that he has no connection to politics, attributing the criticism he faces solely to the weight of his last name. "My last name is political because of my family. And I am very proud of my last name, of course. But personally, I have nothing to do with politics. In fact, I don't even like politics; it's not my thing," he declared.
The young man emphasizes that his presence in the media makes him a target for criticism. "Since I've been working on social media for some time now, I've become more visible; maybe that's why they attack me," he noted.
New Ventures in the Music Industry
In another segment, Sandro reveals the launch of his own record label, "Castro Récord," aimed at promoting both his music and that of emerging Cuban artists. He mentioned that the enterprise will also involve producing documentaries and other audiovisual content.
The Fine Line Between Politics and Media Ambitions
Sandro's recent comments contrast with previous statements that have placed him in the spotlight. Just a few days ago, responding to questions on Instagram, he did not rule out a future political career in Cuba, though he admitted he is not yet prepared. "I would do anything for my country as long as my people agree," he said, raising questions about whether he truly intends to stay out of politics or is testing the waters for a potential future role.
This contradiction has not gone unnoticed by his critics, who accuse him of manipulating his public image to benefit from his influential last name, despite attempts to distance himself from it.
A Controversial Artistic Journey
The announcement of his record label follows his declaration to embark on an "artistic career" in the urban music genre. On August 28, he released the music video "La Cristach" on YouTube, a track featuring three young artists known as "los hijos de Obbatalá." In the preview, he is heard exclaiming with enthusiasm, "Feel the bite coming, bastards," a gesture many users viewed as another display of his eccentricity and disconnect from the island's reality.
Despite insisting that his focus is "art and business," Sandro frequently showcases a lifestyle of luxury, private parties, and personal projects, reinforcing the perception of living in a bubble, detached from the hardships faced by millions of Cubans. His history includes widely criticized incidents, such as a 2021 video of him driving a Mercedes Benz amid a fuel shortage, sparking outrage and leading to a public apology.
The Constant Contradiction
With over 126,000 Instagram followers and his own business in Havana—the bar EFE, located at 23rd and F—Sandro has crafted a public persona that balances between frivolity and provocation. While he claims to have "no privileges" and "suffers power outages like everyone else," his social media presence depicts the life of an elite class disconnected from the daily struggles of most Cubans.
Although he insists he is not interested in politics, his name follows him. "I am proud of my last name, but I have nothing to do with politics," he repeats. Yet, every public gesture, statement, and new artistic or business venture thrusts him back into the debate about the contrast between the simplicity he promotes and the ostentatious image he portrays.
For critics and analysts, Sandro Castro has become an uncomfortable symbol: a blend of influencer, entrepreneur, and heir to a name burdened with Cuban history, which he attempts to leverage under the guise of entertainment.
Exploring Sandro Castro's Public Persona
Why does Sandro Castro disassociate himself from politics?
Sandro Castro claims that although his last name is political due to his family, he personally has no interest in politics and prefers to focus on his ventures in art and business.
What are Sandro Castro's plans with Castro Récord?
Castro Récord aims to promote Sandro's music as well as that of new Cuban artists, and will also involve the production of documentaries and other audiovisual content.
How has Sandro Castro's public image been perceived?
Critics view Sandro Castro's public image as contradictory, oscillating between a display of luxury and an attempt to connect with the struggles of everyday Cubans, while leveraging his influential last name.