The Cuban singer-songwriter Raúl Torres has returned to the music scene with a new song filled with symbolism and political nuances, this time dedicated to the recently deceased Pope Francis.
The song, titled "Between Nail and Wood," is performed by the troubadour Pedrito Beritán, accompanied on guitar by Torres himself, the author of the piece.
The music video's visuals feature a blend of images of Pope Francis in his pastoral work around the world, among parishioners and public events, as well as in meetings with figures such as Fidel and Raúl Castro, Nicolás Maduro, and Vladimir Putin, which seems to create an intentional political narrative accompanying the tribute.
“We Cubans wanted to express our sorrow, and together with TeleSur we created this song to keep it in mind; it is inspired by their actions, and it will also remain as a memory of the good deeds of our holy father,” declared Raúl Torres to the mentioned outlet.
The gesture is not surprising, considering the troubadour's history, known for his songs praising dictatorial figures of the Latin American left, "Riding with Fidel," dedicated to Fidel Castro, and "The Return of the Friend," to former Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez.
Torres and his crusade for recognition
The release of this new song comes just weeks after Torres stirred up controversy on social media, after expressing his disappointment over being excluded from the Museum of Cuban Music.
The troubadour openly expressed his outrage at not being included, arguing that his patriotic and ideologically driven songs deserved a place in that institution, which sparked a flood of criticism and mockery. The controversy escalated when, instead of calming down, he continued his tantrum on social media and demanded more vehemently his place in the museum, claiming political discrimination.
Raúl Torres has established himself as one of the troubadours most aligned with the Cuban government. His compositions have served as a soundtrack for political exaltation campaigns both on and off the island, earning him both followers and detractors. His new song, although seemingly a religious homage, does not stray from that line, as it visually includes the Pope alongside controversial figures of global power.
Frequently asked questions about the song by Raúl Torres dedicated to Pope Francis
Who is Raúl Torres and why is his new song relevant?
Raúl Torres is a Cuban singer-songwriter known for his compositions dedicated to leftist political figures in Latin America, such as Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez. His new song, "Entre clavo y madera," is dedicated to Pope Francis following his passing and is performed by Pedrito Beritán. The significance of this song lies in the symbolism and political undertones that accompany his work, reflecting the Pope's closeness to figures of global power, such as the Castros and Vladimir Putin.
What has generated controversy around Raúl Torres and his relationship with the Museum of Cuban Music?
Raúl Torres expressed disappointment at not being included in the Museum of Cuban Music, which has sparked controversy. Despite his loyalty to the Cuban regime, his work was not recognized by this institution. This led Torres to voice his discontent on social media, demanding his inclusion due to the influence of his compositions on the official culture. The situation reflects the tensions between official recognition and the work of artists aligned with the government.
What has been the reaction of other public figures to Raúl Torres' protest?
The singer Yotuel Romero criticized Raúl Torres following his protest for not being included in the Cuban Music Museum. Yotuel stated that loyalty to a dictatorship is not advantageous and compared Torres' attitude to that of an obedient slave. This response reflects the division of opinions regarding the role of artists in the Cuban political context and the relationship between culture and government on the island.
How has the Cuban government reacted to the death of Pope Francis?
The Cuban government declared Official Mourning for the death of Pope Francis, emphasizing his role in strengthening relations between Cuba and the Holy See. Raúl Castro expressed his sorrow in a personal message, describing the Pope as a defender of peace. In addition, Miguel Díaz-Canel attended a mass in honor of the pontiff, highlighting his contribution to diplomacy between Cuba and the United States.
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