Arturo Sandoval, one of the most virtuous musicians that Cuban culture has given, expressed concern about the situation on the island.
Lima, Peru – Arturo Sandovalone of the most virtuous musicians that Cuban culture has given, has not been able to return to Cuba in decades. Even in exile, the dictatorship has censored his work and harassed his family.
This Sunday, the trumpeter made a publication through his social networks, in which he said he felt worried about the situation in Cuba, highlighting the lack of freedoms in which he lives in the island.
“I was born in Cuba and there I stayed until I managed to escape, with 40 years of age. Today, to my 76, I live with the painful certainty that I have no hope of returning, not even visiting. That is a wound that never hesates,” Sandoval wrote On Facebook.
Beyond his feeling as exiled, the Cuban musician questioned the will of some people to defend or justify a criminal tyranny from a distance, a regime that has destroyed the Cuban nation for more than 60 years, separating families, causing hunger and fear.
“Freedom means being able to speak without fear, thinkingless, dissent without being punished, traveling without asking permission, dreaming without the State controlling everything. Freedom means having options, dignity and elementary right to own your own life,” he said.
Arturo Sandoval emphasizes as freedom as a fundamental right, has been “rooted” on the island. In his opinion, millions of Cubans have grown up without knowing it, the time that Castroism has been responsible for repressing until the ability to dream.
The artist also questioned when he could live a town under a “oprobious” regime, and recalled that no human being should live on his knees; slave in his own land; or normalizing the unacceptable.
“My greatest desire, my plea, is that one day Cuba wakes up. That freedom, that word prohibited and feared on the island, becomes a reality. Because living without freedom is not living, it is simply to survive in chains,” he concluded.
With 11 awards Grammys That they support their experience, and more than double nominations, Sandoval has received high caliber honors in the United States and can hold collaborations with greats from the American scene.
In December 2024, the Cuban trumpeter was distinguished this Sunday with the Kennedy center medal, one of the highest cultural honors in the United States.
Sandoval, recognized for his exceptional ability with trumpet and fliscor, is also a dynamic pianist, percussionist and vocalist. Its versatility and ability to combine various musical styles, including jazz, classical and Latin music, have consolidated their position as one of the most respected and admired musicians in their field.
The Cuban artist has also been awarded six Billboard Awards and an Emmy.
In its announcement last June, The Kennedy Center recalled Sandoval’s “notable life story”, who “overcame political oppression in Cuba and found success on the international stage.”
“Although the opinions about who is ‘the best’ trumpeter in the world can vary according to personal preferences and criteria, Arturo Sandoval undoubtedly is among the most respected and admired musicians in his field,” said the institution.
