The trophies, photos, costumes and mementos in the HistoryMiami Museum's exhibit tell the story of Willy Chirino and his decades-long musical career.
“For all of their complexities and flaws, Miami and the United States in general have both, throughout history, been fertile ground for people from all over to flourish, and find their footing and go on to do good,” Crujeiras said. “That’s exactly what this exhibit shows — that it’s important to understand the past in order to move into the future.”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava , who attended the exhibit, said Chirino’s life “is a testament to the American Dream that so many seek each day.” His music, Levine Cava added, is the soundtrack of Miami-Dade’s history.“The one I believe best represents Miami-Dade is ‘Pa’lante,’” she said of a song title that means onward or go for it. “It embodies the strength and resilience of our community, and how we will continue to blaze forward no matter what obstacles we face.
Back in Cuba, Chirino’s songs and their political undertones became symbols of dissent, rallying cries for freedom and inspiration to flee the island in search of a better future, said Amalia Daché, an Afro-Cuban American scholar and higher education professor at the University of Pennsylvania. For instance, Chirino’s widely popular song from 1991, “Nuestro Día ” — which means “our day is coming soon” — became an anthem for a group of balseros,had been stuck at sea for over 48 hours and had joined with another raft, because they had lost their water and food,” said Daché, who compiled testimonies of Cuban refugees for a research project. “There was a moment where they felt as if they weren’t going to make it and one of them says ‘No, no, no’ [it’s coming] like the song.
“Meeting people who threw themselves into the sea without even knowing if they’d make it was extremely beautiful and touching — I mean, that’s why I make music. But on the flip side of that: What about the thousands and thousands of them who did the same and perished into the ocean? What if it was my song that inspired them to take that journey?” Chirino said, his voice breaking.“But I’ll never stop singing about Cuba. I’ll never stop singing to her either.
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