Famed Cuban singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez has announced a special concert set for Friday, September 19, at 7:00 p.m. on the steps of the University of Havana (UH). This event is dedicated to the students who led protests against the exorbitant rates imposed by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) last June.
In a video shared on his Instagram account, zurron_del_aprendiz, Rodríguez explained his motivation for returning to the university stage. He expressed that the commitment and spirit he observed in the youth reignited his hope. "Recently, I witnessed very positive actions by the university youth, by the FEU (Federation of University Students), regarding the telephony issues. I saw in their spirit the revolutionary, dynamic, and committed energy of the FEU that I have known all my life," he said, inviting everyone to the concert at 7 p.m. on the 19th.
The timing of this invitation is significant, occurring just three months after thousands of university students from various UH faculties and other institutions nationwide stood up against ETECSA’s new tariffs, decrying them as unjust and exclusionary. This movement, characterized by assemblies, strikes, and public demands, evolved into an unprecedented national demonstration challenging not only the commercial decisions of the state-owned company but also the representation by official youth structures.
During this period, Rodríguez made headlines for his unexpected criticism of the regime's handling of the crisis. "No one believes in that anymore," he wrote on June 3 in his blog, Segunda Cita, referring to the outdated decision-making methods. The singer called for more honesty, dialogue, and well-being for the people, openly supporting the students' statements and sharing messages of solidarity with the FEU of CUJAE, recalling the combative legacy of Julio Antonio Mella, Raúl Roa, and José Antonio Echeverría.
Known for starting or concluding his international tours with concerts in Cuba, Rodríguez has chosen the university as a symbolic venue this time. His dedication to those who spoke out against the rate hikes resonates with a generation that, despite surveillance and harassment reported by several members, has fought to ensure internet access is a human right, not a privilege reserved for those with dollars.
With this concert, the creator of "Ojalá" once again becomes a focal point in public discourse. His politically charged gesture, rich with historical echoes, acknowledges students as key players in a critical social moment and delivers a message of encouragement amid a crisis marked by inequality and repression. The university steps, a historic stage for student struggles in Cuba, will once more be filled with music and symbolism that extends beyond the notes.
Silvio Rodríguez's Concert and Cuban Student Protests
Why is Silvio Rodríguez holding a concert at the University of Havana?
Silvio Rodríguez is holding a concert at the University of Havana to honor the students who protested against ETECSA's high tariffs, highlighting their commitment and revolutionary spirit.
What was the significance of the student protests against ETECSA?
The student protests against ETECSA were significant as they challenged the company's commercial policies and questioned the representation by official youth structures, marking an unprecedented national demonstration.
How did Silvio Rodríguez respond to the Cuban regime during the crisis?
Silvio Rodríguez criticized the Cuban regime's handling of the crisis, calling for more sincerity and dialogue, and supported the students' demands for better conditions and rights.