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Cuba Music

Rap first arrived in Cuba at the end of the 1990s, and remains popular. But difficulties in producing this musical genre, which came out of the United States, on the island have driven many artists to other styles of music. Now, some Cuban rappers are hoping that the improving relationship between the communist nation and the US will mean changes for them while others are more focused on changes they want to see made by their own government. Though rap has long been popular in Cuba, it’s rarely broadcast on the radio or on TV. By definition, an art form that was born in the United States and criticizes the system isn’t really welcome on the communist island. Eminem, Busta Rhymes and other star “gringo” rappers have yet to announce Cuban concert date. But Western tunes will soon be heard on the island, as Havana prepares to welcome iconic British band The Rolling Stones for the first time.

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