Despacito Chronicles
Maduro's use of the most streamed song of all time for political purposes has drawn the ire of the likes of Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi. If we could only get Justin Bieber on board, the ANC would surely be cancelled.
The campaign for the Constituyente is an unmitigated disaster. So, yesterday, Nicolás Maduro unleashed his latest ploy: A special version of the most streamed track of all time, “Despacito”, modified to promote July 30th election. What could go wrong with it? Everything.
In just a matter of hours, Maduro has pulled off something remarkable: A viral, global own-goal.
The performers of the song, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee were not happy.
Puertorican singer Fonsi published this statement yesterday, rejecting the political use of the song:
At no time have I been consulted, nor have I authorized the use or change of Despacito’s lyrics for political purposes, much less in the deplorable situation that a country that I love as much as Venezuela is in. My music is for all those who want to listen and enjoy, not to be used as propaganda that tries to manipulate the will of a people who are crying out for their freedom.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BW8MpchAjzl/?taken-by=daddyyankee&hl=en
Reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee didn’t mince any words on his own response:
What can be expected from a person who has stolen so many lives of young dreamers and of a people who want a better future for their children? That you [Maduro] illegally appropriated a song is nothing compared to the crimes you commit in Venezuela. Your dictatorial regime is a mockery, not only to my Venezuelan brothers, but to the whole world….
The co-writer of “Despacito”, Panamanian singer-songwriter Erika Ender also showed her discontent for the unauthorized political use of the song:
Seeing that a song which I a co-authored being used without authorization to promote campaigns linked to a regime which has a country unhappy and suffering, far from bringing me joy, it angers me and I DO NOT APPROVE its use.
Just when you think they can’t go lower, the hegemony proves again that there’s no bottom. For what’s possibly the worst political campaign in Venezuelan history, this fiasco is a right.
But let’s not rush ourselves yet: It’s only Tuesday. They will find a new way to top themselves come Sunday.
Caracas Chronicles is 100% reader-supported.
We’ve been able to hang on for 22 years in one of the craziest media landscapes in the world. We’ve seen different media outlets in Venezuela (and abroad) closing shop, something we’re looking to avoid at all costs. Your collaboration goes a long way in helping us weather the storm.
Donate
