Lawmakers tackle marketing Cuban music abroad

HAVANA, Cuba, Dec 20 (ACN) The potentialities of marketing Cuban music without sweetening its essence, message and authenticity, were debated today by the deputies of the Commission of Education, Culture, Science, Technology and Environment, as a prelude to the tenth period ordinary Parliament, in its eighth legislature.

Deputy Jorge Gómez stressed that the Cuban musical genres have great historical tradition, diversity, creativity, which added to the virtuosity and versatility of musicians and performers, make national art a product of proven quality.
The founder and director of the Moncada band said that Cuban music has a high potential to successfully enter the most demanding markets.
Gómez also pointed out that although Cuban creators, groups and performers are not equipped with the most sophisticated technologies, artistic results exceed expectations.
Abel Prieto, Minister of Culture, acknowledged that due to the economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States for almost six decades, "it is very difficult for our companies to enter the international market without making alliances."
He commented that this situation is aggravated by the fact that the big decision-making corporations in the cultural industry see art as pure merchandise.
In this context, "it is important to defend the diversity and message of our culture outside the country," and "we are obliged to do so without concessions and without distorting the authentic Cuban," he said.
Prieto called to take advantage of opportunities and the permanent quarry of great composers and performers who can be competitive in any space, and find a source of income in the recording industry.
Abel Acosta, Deputy Minister of Culture, said the country should be inserted in the circuits and obtain benefits.
For this, it is necessary to draw up an intelligent strategy of promotion and insertion in the music industry, said Acosta.
Currently, Cuba is moving in that direction and the biggest steps are mainly in China, India and Russia.