The Cuban content creator Yoslier Santiago (Yoslin) recently interviewed musician and producer Yoel Salabarría, better known artistically as El Metáliko, who broke his silence after being deported from the United States at the end of 2024.
Salabarría, known for albums such as El Suburbio and La Habana Tiene Su Swing, was deported on December 30, 2024, due to his immigration status under category I-220B, which affects asylum seekers who failed to demonstrate a "credible fear" or did not meet legal requirements during their process.
"I'm not going to give up."
In the interview, El Metáliko revealed that he is currently in Mexico, where he has decided to relaunch his music career.
"Now I am in Mexico. I am working with Bless Music on various projects that I brought from the United States and then from Cuba. (...) Music is what heals my soul. I am an artist, producer, and composer. I enjoy writing poetry, and it has helped me during this phase," declared the reggaeton artist.
About the emotional impact of his deportation to Cuba, El Metáliko confessed that he went through tough times: "I cried a lot, but in my mind, giving up is not an option."
He acknowledged that the experience of returning to Cuba after so many years was "very shocking" and described the feeling of "not feeling like he was born there," although he emphasized that his mother's support was crucial for his emotional recovery.
"One gets up every day to fight for more, but I am grateful for everything I have," emphasized the musician, who claims to have turned the emotional blow into an opportunity for artistic and personal growth.
A journey marked by resilience
Born in Havana, Salabarría overcame serious health issues in his youth to pursue music. He founded the group Los Metálikos and, over time, solidified his career in the urban genre by collaborating with artists such as El Chulo and El Taiger.
His discography includes works such as El Suburbio, distributed by the Swedish label Urban Latin Records; La Habana Tiene Su Swing (2019), a fusion of Cuban rhythms with contemporary reggaeton; Resiliencia (2021), which addresses themes of overcoming challenges; and Calle y Fe (2023), focused on social and spiritual themes.
What is the I-220B immigration status?
The I-220B category corresponds to a supervision order granted to migrants released in the United States who are not considered to be high risk. However, having a criminal record and failing to meet the requirements of this supervision can result in a deportation order and a ten-year prohibition on regularization.
This situation was decisive in the case of El Metáliko. While reorganizing his life in Mexico, El Metáliko continues to receive showings of support from his fans and colleagues.
In the interview, he recalled his deceased friend, reggaeton artist El Taiger, who shared some unforgettable words of encouragement during a difficult moment in his life: “One can reinvent oneself and return stronger from anywhere in the world.”
Frequently Asked Questions about El Metáliko's Deportation and His Musical Future
Why was El Metáliko deported from the United States?
El Metáliko was deported from the United States due to his immigration status under category I-220B, which applies to asylum seekers who failed to demonstrate a "credible fear" or did not meet the legal requirements during their process.
What is the emotional impact of deportation on El Metáliko?
El Metáliko confessed to having gone through difficult moments after his deportation, describing it as "very shocking" to return to Cuba after so many years. However, thanks to the support of his mother, he has turned the emotional blow into an opportunity for artistic and personal growth.
Where is El Metáliko currently, and what are his plans for his music career?
El Metáliko is currently in Mexico, where he is working with Bless Music on various musical projects. He has decided to relaunch his career and move forward with his music, which he considers a therapy for his soul.
How has music influenced El Metáliko's life and recovery?
Music has been a fundamental part of El Metáliko's life, helping him overcome difficult moments. He himself states that "music is what heals my soul", highlighting its role as an artist, producer, and composer in his emotional recovery process.
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