Social media pits Cuba musicians against activists

A fierce debate erupted on social media pitting musicians and activists on both sides of the Florida Strait less than two months before a presidential election in the U.S., where the Cuban-American vote could determine the outcome of the winner in the swing state of Florida.

Musicians and pro and anti-Cuba activists traded gibes and insults on social media platforms like 'What'up" and Facebook, calling on their supporters to boycott and protest Cuban musicians performing in the U.S.

Some of the claims were aimed at Alexander Abreu, singer in the popular band Havana D'Primera, which has a wide following both on the island and in the U.S.

Posts on social media claimed he was anti-Cuban revolution, which he denied on the bands Facebook page, sparking a wide ranging debate on multiple platforms about the political leanings of various Cuban artists.

The accusations are not new.

In the past, many Cuban performers have been denounced for performing concerts in the U.S., especially in heavily Cuban populated communities like Tampa and Miami.

In Havana Friday, some big names amongst Cuban musicians gathered to decry the storm on social media, and call for solidarity and unity in support of the arts.

The harsh debate comes just as presidential campaigning enters its final phase in the state of Florida, where Cuban-American voters have been a determining factor in past elections.