Cuban Hip Hop is still largely unknown on the international
scene. Raperos along with the rest of the nation struggle to survive. The
island’s leading Hip Hop producer, Pablo Herrera, still works from his
home in a cramped studio. But interest from foreign record companies is growing.
From outside Cuban Hip Hop is seen as having a soul. From inside, it is bursting
with talent and pushing the boundaries of Cuban repression.
"We are the new movement that wants change in Cuban society" says
rapero Amehel Cepeda. And we are a strong and important movement that cannot
be stopped".
Papo Record is one of Cuba's most popular raperos. Like many others he hopes for a recording contract from overseas that would provide for himself and his family. Pictured here at the small home he shares with his parents and sister, Havana.
"Most people have in their heads an idea of what Cuban music should sound like. And right now Cuban Hip Hop is none of that" - Pablo Herrera, Cuba's leading Hip Hop producer at his home studio in the Santos Suerez neighbourhood of Havana.