MIAMI - Reggaeton artists Don Omar and Arcangel have publicly responded to Venezuelan merengue singer, concert promoter, and Chavista government supporter Omar Enrique, who recently demanded apologies from artists who criticized the Maduro regime, specifically targeting them and Ana Gabriel.
During a podcast interview with journalist Melisa Rauseo, Omar Enrique expressed his discontent with artists commenting on Venezuela's internal affairs. "What right do Don Omar, Arcangel, or Ana Gabriel have to interfere in the internal and political matters of Venezuela? They have no right; they cannot have an opinion because they do not live the reality we live here," he stated. He further added a conditional invitation: "If these artists publicly apologize and express a desire to visit Venezuela, I would personally facilitate their entry and finance their shows."
Don Omar and Arcangel on Venezuela
Don Omar and Arcangel did not take these demands lightly. In a powerful rebuttal, Don Omar shared Enrique's video, rallying his followers with a clear message: "Venezuela doesn't need more concerts; it needs fewer corrupt [officials]." He encouraged his Venezuelan followers to share their opinions.
Arcangel also made his stance clear, questioning the rationale behind the demanded apologies: "Apologize to whom? Why? Venezuela doesn't need more concerts! It needs progress, stability, and quality of life!" He declared his love and empathy for the Venezuelan people, emphasizing the treatment they endure from their own compatriots.
"Remember, merenguerito de 5ta, I love Venezuela, but I was not born there. I am not Venezuelan, what I do have is a lot of empathy with the people, because I have very good Venezuelan friends. It shocks me how my brothers are treated by their own people. But if to return I have to, according to you, apologize for telling the truth, I will settle for seeing Venezuela through photos and videos. CHARLATAN I will depend on you to contrast me," he finished.
In 2022, Arcángel was very vocal about his opinions towards president Nicolás Maduro and his government in a video posted on Instagram.
"Stop calling me and offering me money, I am not going there. You know what I'm telling you, I said it, the first time I go to Venezuela, it will be for free. I'm not going to charge a peso, I'm not interested in a penny, but I'm going to give true joy (sic) to free people", he said in a social media post.
Omar Enrique addressed Arcangel's words on social media, saying: "Brother I am going to tell you something from my heart. You are ridiculous, here in Venezuela, no one is looking out for you, no one wants to know about you, no one is looking for you, and you are not a necessity for the Venezuelan people. You are ridiculous, stupid. I mean, it's really embarrassing that you record that."
Who is Omar Enrique?
Also known as the "Prince of Merengue," Omar Enrique is a staunch supporter of the Venezuelan government under Nicolás Maduro. He started his career in the music industry as a merengue singer, but as his alliance with Chavismo grew, he started to develop alternative sources of income.
He is considered a strong force in the rebirth of the Venezuelan concert and show promotion industry.
Vamos a ver cuanta gente despierta a esta hora. Miren el video completo si quieren ir a @karolg y aun no tienen entradas, y me responden luego usando los HT #OmarEnriqueQuieroMiEntrada #OmarEnrique30Años pic.twitter.com/s2y2csPWjo
— Omar Enrique (@OmarEnriqueVzla) March 21, 2024
This is not the first time that Omar Enrique has criticized other artists.
Ironically, there have been other artists who have been openly critics of Chavismo, like Luis Fonsi and Romeo Santos, who have given shows in Venezuela recently, without anybody highlighting their political opinions.
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