A fresh parody of the song "Un Tin" by Payaso x Ley and Rowell Urban has taken social media by storm, racking up more than 31,500 views on Facebook in a matter of hours. This latest version, cleverly adapted to mock Miguel Díaz-Canel, is spreading like wildfire.
Shared by user Missy Groot with the tagline "This version suits me better," the 59-second video transforms the popular tune into a sharp political statement of dissatisfaction and a warning to the Cuban leader.
The viral clip includes a direct jab at Díaz-Canel, suggesting he should leave the country before facing consequences: "I advise you, bastard, to take the first flight, when the tables turn. You'll pay for your mistake."
While the original song celebrates a carefree party vibe, the parody flips the script, delivering a stern message to the regime amid its worst energy crisis. The chorus now warns, "Canel has a bit of fear, he's scared and it's not for fun. But it's just a bit more until you book a flight and the plane crashes before landing."
The Perfect Setting for Satire
Recent developments in Cuba provide fertile ground for satirical commentary. Last Thursday, Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy admitted on state television, "We have absolutely no fuel, we have absolutely no diesel."
The same day, the Electric Union reported a generation shortfall of 2,113 MW, with only 1,230 MW available to meet a demand of 3,250 MW, leaving nearly 70% of the population without power.
In Havana, blackouts have exceeded 24 consecutive hours. Meanwhile, the Cuban Conflict Observatory recorded protests, pot-banging, bonfires, and street blockades in several Havana municipalities from Tuesday to Thursday.
A Growing Trend of Digital Satire
This parody is the latest in a growing wave of digital satire targeting the regime. By Friday, the meme "Me queda un tin" had already transformed the song into a symbol of the regime's collapse, ironically applying the phrase to everything Díaz-Canel is running short on: fuel, credibility, and time.
The original song, released on April 20 under the Befocus Music label, has garnered 6,746,786 views on YouTube and nearly a million monthly listeners on Spotify, making it an ideal vehicle for political satire due to its widespread popularity.
Music has long been a tool for Cubans to poke fun at the regime. In January, following Nicolás Maduro's capture by U.S. special forces, the parody "Donald Trump, Take Canel Away"—based on "We Are the World"—received over 56,000 likes on Facebook.
Since then, every public appearance by Díaz-Canel has sparked new waves of political humor: his physical decline in March, his comments about a potential "guerrilla war" in April, and now the energy collapse.
Pressure isn't just coming from social media. Last Thursday, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Havana to deliver a personal message from Donald Trump, demanding "fundamental changes" as a precondition for any rapprochement.
Trump summarized the situation from Air Force One: "You're talking about a country in decline, they're truly a nation in decline. So let's see what happens."
While the regime struggles to power electric plants, Cubans have plenty of energy to keep sharpening their humor. And the summer anthem now has a new set of lyrics.
Understanding the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is causing the current energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is primarily due to a severe lack of fuel and diesel, as acknowledged by the country's Energy and Mines Minister. This shortage has led to significant power outages affecting the majority of the population.
How are Cubans responding to the power outages?
Cubans have responded to the widespread blackouts with protests, including pot-banging, bonfires, and street blockades. Additionally, digital satire and parodies have become a popular way to express dissatisfaction with the regime.
What role does music play in Cuban political satire?
Music has historically been used by Cubans to satirize and critique the regime. Popular songs often serve as a medium for political expression, turning into parodies that highlight the government's failures and challenges.