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Tuesday November 6, 2007

Evangelicals “rap” in Cuba

José Aurelio Paz, HAVANA, Cuba, May 25, 2004

A Christian rap festival organized by Evangelical Churches in San Jose de las Lajas, east Taxi Heathrow Airport of the capital, brought together more than 700 young people in the local movie theatre last Saturday night and demonstrates that new generation Cuban believers are seeking contemporary ways to praise God.

Nine groups, including soloists participated. Some came from Havana and Matanzas. In total, 12 Churches supported the activity with applauses and praise for the Lord.

The Rev. Manolo Delgado, of the Baptist Church Fraternity that organized the festival said it was a memorable experience. The idea emerged from a group that has the same name as his Church: Emmanuel. The young people encouraged to the pastor to implement this “wild idea” which is unprecedented in the Cuban Church environment, as rap is generally considered marginal.

The concert began when Emanuel presented its first CD in the Lajero movie theatre. Later groups like Divine Power and Selah, or Melody and Base and Foundation, together with soloists offered songs like “Don’t Give up”, “The end times,” “To Him Be the Glory,” “Love without Fear,” among others that were applauded by believers and non-believers alike.

Invited journalists included Ariel Fernández, director of the magazine Movimiento (the Cuban Hip Hop magazine) who was interested n this genre that had previously only be known as an urban phenomenon and not as part of the Church.

“We want the next event to be national so that Churches, to some extent, assume the genre within their broad spectrum of adoration and participate in this fraternal competition where the only winner is Jesus Christ,” said the Rev. Delgado. 

“The rap, while it seems incredible, fills us with blessings. It was a night unlike any other and we give thanks to God and local authorities for allowing us to have this event in a public venue, opening up the road for future experiences,” said the Baptist Pastor.