The Cuban singer Lenier Mesa has spoken out in favor of urgent change in his homeland, urging unity among those who share a similar vision for the nation's future.
"We want change for our island; in the end, we're all fighting for the same thing—for Cuba to be free, amen," Mesa expressed on his Instagram account.
Lenier shared a moving video that encapsulates his hopes for Cuba's future, expressing his desire for the island to eventually achieve freedom.
The video is a blend of real footage and AI-generated images, capturing various moments and realities from Cuba's recent history and its current crisis to highlight his critical stance against the dictatorship.
It includes the moment when Díaz-Canel called for the suppression of the people during the July 11, 2021 protests, alongside videos of citizen demonstrations both in Cuba and Miami, where Cuban exiles gathered to support their compatriots on the island.
The video also features statements from Raúl Castro on state television, asserting his refusal to abandon communist principles, interspersed with scenes depicting the poverty and hardship that are part of daily life for many Cubans.
Additionally, Lenier included images of two young members of the independent project El4tico, currently detained in Holguín, as a reflection of the repression faced by critical voices on the island.
Accompanying the visuals is one of Lenier's own songs, carrying a message of hope: "The light can already be seen, as it happened in Venezuela, one day we will return and shout for freedom."
Lenier's Critical Stance on the Cuban Regime
Lenier Mesa's post is part of his openly critical position against the Cuban regime and his rejection of the way the political system operates.
Last month, during his appearance on the reality show "El Rancho de Destino," the artist made it clear that "I am not interested in anything about the Cuban government, hopefully it will fall tomorrow," emphasizing that he has no ties or interest in supporting the current government.
He stated he does not return to the island because, in his words, "Cuba gives me nothing, neither as an artist nor as a business," affirming his desire for profound change to create more economic and developmental opportunities in the future.
Lenier has shared personal experiences of censorship and restrictions during previous visits to Cuba, where authorities prevented him from performing publicly on one occasion, further solidifying his critical view of the state's control over artistic and cultural activities.
His message comes at a time when several artists, activists, and public figures have expressed support for freedom of expression and solidarity with independent projects within Cuba, many of whom have faced reprisals for openly criticizing the government.
Understanding Lenier Mesa's Advocacy for Change in Cuba
What does Lenier Mesa advocate for in Cuba?
Lenier Mesa advocates for urgent change and unity among those desiring freedom for Cuba, expressing a critical stance against the current regime.
How does Lenier Mesa express his criticism of the Cuban regime?
Lenier Mesa uses social media, music videos, and public statements to express his criticism, highlighting issues like repression, poverty, and censorship under the Cuban regime.
Why does Lenier Mesa not return to Cuba?
Lenier Mesa has stated that he does not return to Cuba because the country offers him nothing as an artist or for business, and he seeks significant change for better opportunities.