Jacob Forever responds to the cancellation of his concert in Hialeah

June 21, 2019

Yosdani Jacob Carmenates, known in the artistic world as Jacob Forever, regretted the decision by Hialeah authorities to cancel his concert at the July 4th celebration, U.S. Independence Day.

The artist said he was surprised by the cancellation of his $30,000 contract with the City of Hialeah and clarified that he is not part of the "cultural exchange" with Cuba, since he has been living in Florida with his family for three years.

"It hurts me that a measure is taken based on arguments against me, which moreover are not real. Frankly, I deeply regret this decision and I have faith that everything will be clarified in due time. Above all, I apologize to my audience because I will not be able to be with them on July 4th as planned," the artist expressed in a statement sent to el Nuevo Herald.

The City of Hialeah abruptly canceled the contract with Jacob Forever, Miss Dayana, and El Micha, also Cuban urban genre artists, last Monday following protests by several citizens, politicians, and exile movements, the City said in a statement. These artists are well known in South Florida, where they perform frequently and their songs are heard on the radio station Ritmo 95 Cubatón y Más, very popular among Cubans.

Jacob Forever, author of popular songs such as "Hasta que se seque el malecón" and "Quiéreme," said that he loves his Latino audience. "I sing in Rome, Milan, Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, Mexico, wherever there is a person who supports my work, I will be there for them," he said.

The artist added that it is time "to be able to sing without borders" to everyone who wants to listen to his music. "I hope this gets cleared up and they know that as a resident of this great country I have the right to be able to work, that's what I came for and that's what I fight for day by day," he added.

Jacob Forever's representatives said that his lawyers are analyzing the next steps following the contract cancellation. The office of the mayor of Hialeah did not respond to multiple requests for comment from el Nuevo Herald.