Identidades in English No 1, February 2014 | Page 39

Rap poetry evokes its everyday nature

We are part of a generation of thinking youth. We are
the lungs through which the nation is breathing. I believe this genre can bring about change. Rap is a kind
of struggle against the system of things badly done. At
this time of crisis and violent transformation in Cuba,
rappers are the ones who are challenging the power
elite’s bureaucracy to reclaim our rights.
As a movement, rappers draw over a thousand people
to each presentation, show or event. It is they who are
‘raising their closed fists’ every year. Through their
music, they are the ones whose songs are saying:
“Stop. We are the root of change.” They are the ones
asking what’s going on, “I go as I go,” and demand
answers. They say we are here, that we exist despite
those who censor, repress, discriminate us. Despite
having nothing, no resources, money or technology,
we are still ideating a new Cuba.

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Notes:
1-List of selected events and festivals forcefully intervened in, changed or definitely suspended by the
State, between 2000-2010. Some are considered part
of the myth or reality of Cuban alternative music.
Some are part of the myth and reality of Cuban alternative music, although its connection with other manifestations of the fine arts could be quite important,
too. Rotilla and the World Festival for Endless Poetry
featured sets designed to display rap as a manifestation of deeply rooted social identity.
a- FESTIVAL DE RAP EN CUBA, 1994-2004
b- CAPITAL DE LA MOÑA, 2005-2006
c- FESTIVAL MUNDIAL POESÍA SIN FIN, 19992013
d- ROTILLA FESTIVAL, 2000- 2011
e- CUBA BIG TANQUE TUNE, BATALLA DE
PRODUCTORES, 2012-2013
f- PUÑOS ARRIBA, 2009-2013