The angry voices of some anti-Castro Cubans living in Miami have ignited a discussion in the media revolving around the future megaconcert for peace in Havana.
The electronic media and numerous blogs have taken up the issue, some in favor of the artist’s initiative, expressing their support for the music and the singer’s aims, and others against, expressing their anger and political rejection of the idea behind the concert, which will take place on the 20th of September.
The artist held a press conference to clarify the rationale behind the concert entitled “Paz sin Fronteras”, or ‘peace without borders’, in Cuba’s capital city of Havana. He explained that it had nothing to do with politics, but rather with his intention to promote peace, humanism, and tolerance.
Juanes stated, “No one called us up; no one invited us to Havana. I am not a communist. I am not involved with their government. I am not going to Cuba to sing for the Cuban regime.”
During preparations for the concert, Juanes met with representatives from the US government, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and several leaders from the Cuban community in Miami, in order to garner support and approval for the participation of US artists in the concert.
Since the Columbian singer has not yet succeeded in securing sponsors for the event, he has come to the decision to take on the costs of the concert himself, estimated at some 300,000 dollars.
*(Translation provided by Patrick C. Yancey)*
