At just 24, Melanie Santiler has emerged as one of the most refreshing and genuine voices in Cuban music today. Known as La Mami Fina, this young artist captivates audiences not only with her talent but also with her straightforward manner of speaking. During an interview on the podcast El show de La Familia Cubana, she openly discussed the controversy stirred by one of her songs: "In Cuba, people go hungry, that's why I ate your guy."
"I've encountered numerous problems, yet I refuse to stop performing the song," she said with a laugh, making it clear she has no intention of censoring herself. "If I'm told I can't attend an event because of it, then I simply won't go." Despite attempts to persuade her to skip that portion of the track Buen provecho, Melanie stands firm: "People know me because of this song; it's a part of who I am." Even when pressured to omit the line, she is adamant: "If I can't sing it, I won't go."
Far from seeking scandal, the singer asserts that her music mirrors reality, infused with humor and a sense of release. "Why do we do this to ourselves? If another woman has something nice, we have to criticize her. Women can be a real handful," she remarked humorously, addressing the rivalry that sometimes exists among women. Her honesty and infectious laughter have won her a devoted following on social media.
Among her most popular tracks is Todo se supera, a collaboration with reggaeton artist Velito El Bufón, which many fans mistakenly interpreted as a love story. "We have chemistry, yes, but it's purely friendship. We get along great and are always joking around," Melanie clarified, showcasing her spontaneous side.
In just a few short years, this Havana native has transitioned from posting covers on social media to being spotlighted by publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard, which recognize her as one of the Caribbean's rising stars.
The singer delves into the topic of censorship around the 41-minute mark:
Melanie Santiler and Her Bold Statements on Cuban Hunger
Why has Melanie Santiler faced issues with her song?
Melanie Santiler has faced issues because her song explicitly mentions the hunger situation in Cuba, which has sparked controversy and attempts to censor her performances.
What is the message behind Melanie's music?
Melanie's music seeks to reflect reality with a mix of humor and personal expression, illustrating genuine experiences and societal issues.