Cuban musicologist and essayist, Carlos Olivares Baró, shared in an interview his direct confrontation with trumpeter and bandleader Alexander Abreu in Mexico. Olivares accused Abreu of being a supporter of the Cuban regime, leading the musician to refuse to perform at the venue unless Olivares was asked to leave.
Having lived in exile in Mexico for nearly 40 years, Olivares stands by his actions: "They asked me to leave, and I did, but I made sure to tell him to his face," he stated during the interview conducted by Tania Costa.
Olivares expressed disappointment in Abreu's political stance, despite acknowledging his exceptional talent: "It's unfortunate that such a remarkable musician, like the director of the orchestra Havana D'Primera, Alexander Abreu, defends the regime. He's an extraordinary musician."
According to Olivares, he confronted Abreu directly: "Alexander, it's a shame that you, being such an important musician, defend [the regime]." Abreu responded by telling the venue owner, "As long as that man is here, I won't perform."
Since 2007, Abreu has led Havana D'Primera and has frequently been criticized by the Cuban exile community for his ties to the government. In December 2023, he reaffirmed his allegiance to Cuba, stating, "I will live and die in Cuba."
In 2020, musician Descemer Bueno publicly challenged Abreu to side with the Cuban people. In May 2022, Abreu's performance in Miami was met with protests from exiles accusing him of being close to the government.
Cuban Musicians and Political Allegiances
Olivares also criticized José Luis Cortés "El Tosco", who passed away in Havana on April 18, 2022, labeling him a regime supporter as well: "These are two key figures in contemporary Cuban music who, unfortunately, support the Cuban regime."
The death of El Tosco, a founder of NG La Banda and a creator of Cuban timba, was mourned by Díaz-Canel, which many exiles saw as confirmation of his alignment with the cultural establishment of the regime.
In contrast, Olivares praised Pablo Milanés for his courage in his later years: "In his final years, Pablo was a critic of the regime... those years were marked by great bravery." Olivares highlighted, "Pablo died in Spain, and the regime never reported his death."
Milanés, a figurehead of Nueva Trova, passed away in Madrid on November 22, 2022, at 79, having distanced himself from the regime that had long used him as a cultural icon.
Regarding Silvio Rodríguez, Olivares was blunt: "I won't mention Silvio. He's always been a henchman of the regime, despite having five or six essential songs."
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Olivares concluded with a reflection on Cuban culture: "Our music, I reiterate, is our presence in the world," citing Celia Cruz, Benny Moré, Miguelito Cuní, and Pablo Milanés as true representatives, deliberately excluding those whose talents, in his view, serve the regime.
Understanding the Cuban Music Scene and Politics
Who is Carlos Olivares Baró?
Carlos Olivares Baró is a Cuban musicologist and essayist known for his critical stance against the Cuban regime. He has been living in exile in Mexico for nearly 40 years.
Why did Alexander Abreu refuse to perform in the venue?
Alexander Abreu refused to perform because Carlos Olivares Baró, who confronted him about his support for the Cuban regime, was present at the venue.
What was Pablo Milanés' stance on the Cuban regime?
In his later years, Pablo Milanés openly criticized the Cuban regime, showcasing great bravery and distancing himself from the government.