Cuban singer Seidy La Niña has sparked a wave of criticism on social media following the release of a reel filmed in a Havana neighborhood. The video shows her surrounded by locals as she shoots a street music video, performing one of her songs.
Released shortly after her return to Cuba following nearly seven years away, the video quickly amassed thousands of likes and hundreds of comments. However, a significant portion of the audience reacted with outright disapproval.
"Lovely, more bread and circuses for the people, that's what they like. More blackouts, more repression, more hunger, and more neighborhood girls. This is how the regime gets a facelift," one user indignantly remarked.
Critics also questioned the likelihood of such a gathering occurring without official backing. "I suppose this crowd of Cubans was organized and supervised by the State Security, because they wouldn't allow this to happen unless they orchestrated it. Lieutenant Seidy leading the way," another commenter noted.
Several comments highlighted the presence of personal security during the street event. "If she's with her people, those who love her, why the need for security? In all my years, I never saw Formell, Paulito FG, and others with that security charade; they performed concerts and sang at carnivals all over Cuba," questioned another follower.
The stark contrast between the festive scene and the harsh realities of the island was another focal point of criticism. "No water, no food, no electricity, but always ready for the circus," summarized one user. Another added, "The faces of the Cubans there reflect the daily struggle and anguish in this country. It saddens me; I increasingly notice these videos and see the pain and frustration in people's faces, and nothing changes."
Calls for Political Statements
Some demanded that the artist use her presence on the island to speak out politically. "Take the chance to shout 'down with the dictatorship' instead of promoting your music," one follower urged, while another requested, "Shout 'Patria y Vida.'"
"And then everyone goes back home to the Cuban reality, while she goes on to make money in the United States. Enjoy your moment of fame; then tell me what you learned from all this. Blessings, Cuba," concluded one of the most shared comments under the reel.
One of the most resonant criticisms came from an elderly woman appearing in the video, seemingly asking the artist for something. "The elderly woman next to you is clearly asking you for food. Give it to her, don't ignore her. It broke my heart. Just two seconds, give her something, it's obvious she's struggling," and "I clearly saw how you disregarded the elderly woman beside you. No one deserves to be looked down upon; to be an artist, which in my opinion, you aren't, you need to learn humility," two netizens criticized.
In response to these comments, Seidy shared another video alongside the woman, saying, "All I have for those who love me is LOVE, respect, and a lot of joy. I love my people from Cuba and around the world."
The artist, who has lived in the United States for 25 years, also stirred controversy days earlier with an ironic video showing a stack of 70,000 Cuban pesos—equivalent to about $105 at the informal exchange rate of 664 pesos per dollar—exclaiming sarcastically, "With that, you can buy a lot of things. Wow! You have money! You're a millionaire!"
Public Reaction to Seidy La Niña's Actions
Why did Seidy La Niña's music video cause controversy?
Her video, filmed in a Havana neighborhood, was seen as a distraction from the harsh realities faced by many Cubans, leading to criticism for being insensitive and potentially state-endorsed.
How did Seidy La Niña respond to the backlash?
She responded by sharing another video with the elderly woman from the original video, expressing love and respect for her fans in Cuba and worldwide.
What was the reaction to her ironic video about Cuban pesos?
The video, which sarcastically highlighted the worthlessness of Cuban currency, further fueled debate about her actions and perceived insensitivity toward the struggles of Cubans.