Since music is a popular way to spread campaign messages in Venezuela, it is no surprise that a non-political musician putting his political opinions into a song is the cause of some hard feelings. Since Hugo Chávez passed away on March 5, 2013, Nicolás Maduro (picked by Mr. Chávez to take his place) has been the interim president. Salsa singer Willie Colón does not agree that Maduro is the best leader for Venezuela and, although he does not directly name Maduro, there is little doubt that his latest song is a way to spread Colón's personal political views to his listeners. The song refers to Maduro as "Fresh Lies", which is a name that political opponents have now begun to use for Maduro. Additionally, the lyrics points out that there are many problems in Venezuela that developed under Chavez (i.e. collapsing bridges, a currency devaluation, electrical blackouts and rampant crime) and explains that he believes that Mr. Maduro is "the backup in charge of making the disaster worse." Maduro has responded by asking Colón, “Why, if you are Puerto Rican, do you kiss the imperial hand that has turned your country into a colony?” in reference to the United States' role in Venezuela.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/11/world/americas/song-by-salsa-star-willie-colon-targets-nicolas-maduro-in-venezuela-election.html?ref=world&_r=0
Posted By: Liz Linning
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