Pablo Herrera

Male, Person

44

Who is Pablo Herrera?

Pablo D. Herrera Veitia is arguably Cuba's most influential hip hop music producer, currently and historically. Herrera served his country in the education system as a teacher at Havana University. Herrera has written a thesis on African-American expression and also has degrees in both English and Russian translation. Through his work in Cuba's free university education system, Herrera has had the opportunity to mentor many young rap artists, and direct their music in a positive direction.

Herrera's main contribution to Cuban music however, hasn't been through his teachings, but rather his work as a rap producer on the island. Herrera has earned the undisputed title, of "the top rap producer," in Cuba. Groups will literally risk their entire careers for the opportunity to perform just once in front of Herrera, because of his importance to rap in Cuba. Herrera's musical talent isn't questioned, but more important than that is his close relationship with the Cuban government -- essential to success in Cuba. Herrera's relationship with the Ministry of Culture has worked to authenticate rap as both an expression of Cuban beliefs and a musical sound that is fundamentally Cuban.

Herrera's work with the government reached its apex in 1998, when "Abel Prieto, the Minister of Culture, officially declared rap 'an authentic expression of cubanidad' and began nominally funding the annual rap festival." This official state recognition ensured that rap wasn't simply a temporary fad soon to go back across the sea like the island's tides, but an official, growing style of music that was being "Cubanized."

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Submitted
on July 23, 2013

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