Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello gave a surprise performance at Coachella 2026 last Sunday, joining Young Thug on stage to perform their hit "Havana." In a heartfelt gesture, she used the opportunity to express her solidarity with the people of Cuba.
After the performance, Cabello took to Facebook to share her thoughts, describing the moment as "moving and bittersweet." Performing "half of my heart is in Havana" in front of thousands carried a deep symbolic weight she couldn't ignore.
"My heart truly goes out to every Cuban who feels the pain of a beautiful country and culture that has been drained and abused for so many years under an oppressive dictatorship," Cabello wrote, accompanied by photos of her holding the Cuban flag and the hashtag #SOSCuba.
The artist also expressed pride in her heritage, stating, "The beauty of our people is our ability to persevere, to feel proud of where we come from, and to hold onto hope for better days ahead."
The event was a double celebration for Cabello: performing with Young Thug—whom she affectionately calls "Jeffrey" and describes as "the kindest and most talented"—during his headline show at Coachella, and reuniting with the song that propelled her career.
This marked the first live performance of "Havana" together since the opening of the 2019 Grammy Awards on February 10 of that year. Released in August 2017, "Havana" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2018, becoming Cabello's first major solo hit and an anthem celebrating her Cuban roots.
Coachella 2026, held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, celebrated its 25th anniversary with two weekends of performances.
Cabello's message on Sunday is part of her ongoing commitment to Cuban activism. In February 2026, she published an extensive statement denouncing 67 years of a failed dictatorship and oppressive regime, highlighting repression, blackouts, food and medicine shortages, and the imprisonment of minors protesting peacefully.
This statement drew public recognition from Jeremy Lewin, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Foreign Assistance, who thanked Cabello for raising awareness of the humanitarian work done by Caritas Cuba. Through this organization, the Trump administration directed six million dollars in direct aid to the Cuban people, bypassing the regime entirely.
Lewin affirmed at the time that the United States would continue to support and stand with the Cuban people.
Born in Havana in 1997, Cabello emigrated to the United States in 2002 and has since used her artistic platform to consistently advocate for freedom in Cuba. She supported the July 11 protests in 2021, shouted "Patria y Vida" at the Latin Grammy Awards in September of that year, and in October 2024, she dressed as a Cabaret Tropicana dancer with the message "For a Free Cuba."
Camila Cabello's Advocacy for Cuban Freedom
What message did Camila Cabello share at Coachella 2026?
Camila Cabello expressed her solidarity with the Cuban people, highlighting the pain caused by decades of an oppressive dictatorship and expressing pride in her heritage.
How has Camila Cabello supported Cuban activism?
Cabello has consistently used her platform to advocate for Cuban freedom, including supporting protests, speaking out against the regime, and raising awareness for humanitarian efforts.
What recognition did Camila Cabello receive for her activism?
She received public recognition from U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeremy Lewin for highlighting the humanitarian work of Caritas Cuba and drawing attention to the plight of the Cuban people.