Artists seek change in Cuba

The particular brand of socialism practiced in Cuba can be compared to a religion. The doctrine and beliefs comprise The Revolution, which is not just a historical event, but an ongoing economic, social, and political mission. The Revolution is upheld and evangelized by the Communist party.

And as we see in all religions throughout time, there is a class of people that are not welcome within the fold: the heretics.

If you've been following the Cuba-related news over the past year, you may have noted the growing coverage of the Movimiento San Isidro, or MSI. MSI is a group of artists, academics, journalists, and other activists that seek freedom of expression. In November of last year, the group protested the arrest of a local artist (he was then imprisoned for "contempt"). This event ballooned into larger protests against the State’s growing surveillance program and other threats against the artist community.

The movement garnered support from the U.S. and other international voices, but resulted in a swift backlash at home. On Twitter Cuban President Díaz-Canel called MSI an “imperial show to destroy our identity and subjugate us again.” Meanwhile, the Cuban police ramped up surveillance and arrests of MSI members.

But despite orchestrated efforts to minimize the group’s influence, MSI has recently become a bigger movement.

The song features artists Yotuel, Gente De Zona, Descemer Bueno, Maykel Osorbo, and El Funky

A couple of weeks ago, the internationally-acclaimed reggaeton group Gente de Zona released a new song called Patria y Vida. Artists in the video are from both Miami and Havana. The song, which echoes the protest language of MSI, has nearly 3 million view on YouTube. The Miami Herald goes into the meaning behind the lyrics. (the story is free to read but may require a sign-up).

Whether you agree with the message or not, the video is worth a watch. The heretics have something to say.