Leer en Español
During the celebration of the 2021 Premios Juventud, which took place Thursday at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida, singer Pitbull and other Cuban-American artists called on the White House to “wake up” to the Cuban people’s call for freedom.
In a joint speech announcing a special presentation in favor of Cuba, Cuban musician and producer Emilio Estefan and Pitbull addressed a few words to ask for the support of Joe Biden and the United States.
“We want to ask everyone for support, especially Mr. President of the United States, to help us in these moments and leave a legacy of freedom to the world,” said Estefan.
Pitbull’s passionate words thanked the Cuban artists who carry forward the artistic movement called “Patria y Vida” (Homeland and Life), in honor of the famous song by Gente de Zona that denounces the abuses of the Cuban communist regime: “They are part of a real revolution,” expressed the rapper.
“Freedom is not free, but it has no comparison,” said Pitbull. “We are here for the people of Cuba, to support them and ask the White House to wake up, because we need them to support what the United States supports: freedom.”
A show for Cubans
In unison, artists and the public joined in the cry of “freedom!” to start the performance by Cubans Joncien, Lena and Malena Burke, and Yailenys Pérez, who sang a song composed by Emilio Estefan.
The show was dedicated in large part to support Cuban citizens, who since July 11 have taken to the streets of the island to demand an end to the dictatorship that has oppressed them for more than six decades. Since then, the regime has detained more than 400 people in Cuba, including journalists and activists, according to Human Rights Watch.
During the evening, artists such as Camila Cabello, Farruko and Karol G expressed their solidarity with the Cuban people and joined the cause for their freedom. In addition, Cubans Gente de Zona and Yotuel Romero took the stage to sing their song “Patria y Vida,” which has become an anthem for a free Cuba.
