The Cuban singer-songwriter Israel Rojas, leader of the duo Buena Fe, has stirred up controversy once again by posting a fiery message on social media defending Nicolás Maduro's regime amid rising military and diplomatic tensions in the Caribbean.
Rojas boldly declared, "They will not win. Neither they nor their minions. It's no longer like before, when we were orphans of ideas and weapons, while they were bloated with arrogance and technological vanguards to crush the weakest. They shall not pass!"
Known for his close ties to the Cuban regime, the artist alluded to the current standoff between the United States and Venezuela, which has intensified following the deployment of U.S. ships and aircraft near Venezuelan shores in recent weeks.
In this charged atmosphere, Rojas echoed the historic anti-fascist slogan from the Spanish Civil War, now reinterpreted as open support for Maduro's dictatorship and its allies.
His post comes just days after President Donald Trump declared that "Maduro's days are numbered," while Caracas accuses the U.S. of alleged "imperialist aggression" under the guise of fighting drug trafficking.
Amid this climate, the Cuban troubadour's words have been seen as a gesture of political solidarity with the Caracas-Havana-Managua axis, attempting to project unity against international pressure.
Reactions on social media were swift. Many users criticized Rojas for backing a regime accused of human rights violations, repression, and humanitarian crisis. However, others defended him as an "artist committed to Latin American sovereignty."
This isn't the first time Rojas has aligned himself with the official rhetoric. In recent months, he has publicly supported Miguel Díaz-Canel and defended the Cuban government's stances amid the energy crisis and civilian protests.
With this latest statement, the Buena Fe leader once again places himself at the heart of regional political controversy, reaffirming his role as one of the most loyal cultural voices to the Cuban government and its allies.
Understanding Israel Rojas' Support for Maduro
Why did Israel Rojas defend Nicolás Maduro's regime?
Israel Rojas defended Maduro's regime as a show of solidarity with the political axis of Caracas-Havana-Managua and as part of his ongoing support of socialist governments in Latin America.
What historical slogan did Rojas reference in his message?
Rojas referenced the historic anti-fascist slogan "They shall not pass!" from the Spanish Civil War, reinterpreting it to support Maduro's regime.
How have people reacted to Rojas' statement?
Reactions have been mixed; while many criticized Rojas for supporting a regime accused of severe human rights violations, others praised him for his commitment to Latin American sovereignty.