Grammy-award winning Colombian singer Juanes is planning on holding his next “Peace Without Borders” concert in Havana, Cuba this fall. While the activist is trying to promote peace, Cuban exiles say that the concert will only serve to support Cuba’s communism.
The singer’s promotion team argues that the concert, scheduled for September 20, will not be condemning nor supporting any political dogma; that said, it is supposed to be held at the very same place where Che Guevara is honored, Revolution Plaza.
Other performers said to be performing at the concert include Olga Tañón, Miguel Bosé, Ricardo Montaner, and Luis Fonsi.
“Our commitment has been to share our talent and never exclude a group of people who opens their arms to us. Cuba cannot be the exception,” says Tañón.
“Why are the promotion of unity between peoples and the dismantling of borders bothersome?” adds Juanes via Twitter.
Cuban American Willy Chirino, who has not stepped foot in Cuba in over forty-five years, has also voiced his support of the concert.
Juanes is holding the concert after talks with Cuban officials. Prior to making plans, he wanted to be sure that the government would be supportive of the concert, which he believes will help create more understanding and peace.
Some protesters, believing the concert to be an immoral publicity stunt, are even saying that they plan on protesting the next Juanes concert in Miami.
The first “Peace Without Borders” Concert Juanes performed at was at the border of Venezuela and Colombia in March of 2008. The concert was very popular, with tens of thousands of people in attendance.
Tags: communism, cuba, juanes, juanes concerts, peace concert, peace without borders