At a time when humanity views the immediate future with uncertainty and the planet is focused on the battle against a virus which is taking thousands of lives every day, from all corners, despite such desolation, consolation arrives.
More than a few musicians around the world have offered their art online hoping to alleviate the sadness engulfing us, at least a bit. “In these times of solidarity, anything anyone can do to help others is worthwhile,” wrote Israel Rojas, leader of Buena Fe, on his Facebook page, as the band joined the effort and posted several performances on social media.
Despite the hard times, there are still those who prefer to attack anyone who makes an effort to lighten the burden on our souls. This is the attitude evident in some commentaries Israel received following the online performance of the group he has led for 20 years, during which, from the first chords, he insisted on the message of staying home, not leaving the house, and abiding by sanitary restrictions, as well as calling for an end to the “genocidal, extraterritorial blockade,” in place for six decades now, in an effort to asphyxiate Cuba.
Buena Fe received many commentaries, the majority welcoming and supporting the broadcast and the group’s generosity. The concert, with the maxim Estamos contigo (We are with you) generated only a few negative messages advocating the tightening of the blockade or making derogatory remarks about the island’s principled position.
Among the many expressions of affection was one from Dr. Carlos Díaz, head of the Cuban medical brigade offering its services in Lombardy, the Italian region most affected by the coronavirus. From this distant location, he assured Israel that the brigade’s members would return home safe and sound, while the musician responded saying they were the pride of Cuba, and dedicated to them Buena Fe’s song “Valientes,” featured on their most recent CD: Carnal.
"I support the lifting of the brutal blockade that the United States government has imposed on my country. I take this position not just temporarily because of the epidemic, I support it every day. I believe the blockade is inhumane, murderous. What seems to me only human, only correct, in these times of pandemic, is that instead of countries focusing on political disagreements, they should be building bridges of cooperation, because the only way we can overcome this is together, through love, through giving to others what we have, through empathy, through solidarity... My people, this is my position… I reaffirm it," Israel posted on his personal Facebook page, the day after the performance.
He added that he is on the side of all the people attacked today for telling the truth, that he will continue to fight wrongs with song, "telling and singing our country’s story, her misfortunes and beauties," adding, "These are times to put your shoulder to the wheel and think of others."
For almost an hour of "love," the musicians shared the group’s classics that have found a place on the playlists of millions around the world. This was made evident by the thousands of internet users in some 60 countries who played the video 50,000 times in less than 24 hours, leading Israel Rojas to say: "We are extremely grateful ... for so much love, for so much respect."
