The content creator known as @salem.shahen on Instagram, who describes himself as a doctor, Lebanese, and a private business owner in Cuba, has become a sensation on social media. In a video filmed at a hotel on the sands of Varadero, he showcases his prowess in a "Cuban culture quiz"... until it's time to dance salsa.
In the clip, he interacts with a young Cuban woman, whom many viewers speculate might be his partner. She throws a series of typical questions at him that any Cuban should be able to answer. Salem responds with ease, laughter, and an accent that many find quite convincing. However, the ultimate challenge is to groove to a salsa beat, and while his playful and natural attitude charmed many, it sparked a wave of comments.
Some users praised his enthusiasm, claiming he dances better than many Cubans. Others suggested he could add a bit more "flavor" to his moves. His mix of steps, exaggerated gestures, and spontaneity earned him nicknames like "the Cuban Habibi" and "mi ecobio" (my friend).
Salem himself joined in the fun by asking his followers, "On a scale from 1 to 10, how do you rate my dancing?" This prompted a flood of emojis, laughter, and viral comments like "Asere, you're killing it!"
While the debate continues about his salsa skills, there's no doubt that Salem has won over many Cubans with his charisma and his lighthearted effort to embrace the island's culture.