On March 6, 2024, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado will receive the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize during a ceremony in Oslo, Norway. Recognized for her tireless efforts toward achieving a “just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” Machado’s award comes at a time when she has been barred from running for president and has been in hiding since last year.
Joining her on stage will be Danny Ocean, a prominent Venezuelan pop star and close ally of Machado. At 33, Ocean has emerged as a significant voice against the Venezuelan government, using his platform to advocate for change in his home country. He gained fame in 2016 with his hit song “Me Rehúso,” a reggaeton-infused ballad inspired by his move from Venezuela to the United States, where he had to leave his girlfriend behind. The song quickly became a staple in Latin music venues, achieving platinum certification 13 times in the United States and amassing over 2 billion streams on Spotify.
Music as a Medium for Change
As Ocean’s career blossomed, he began to weave references to Venezuelan culture and politics into his music. In early 2024, just ten days before a highly contested presidential election in Venezuela, he released an EP titled venequia. This project serves as a reclamation of the term “veneco,” a derogatory label often used against Venezuelan migrants. Through tracks like “por la pequeña Venecia,” Ocean directly criticizes President Nicolás Maduro and addresses the plight of families separated by the ongoing crisis. Since 2014, more than 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled the country, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
In the music video for “escala en Panama,” Ocean envisions a future where displaced Venezuelans can return home. The video features crowds rushing through an abandoned airport to board a plane, greeted by Machado’s voice as she declares, “Bienvenidos a Venezuela, Bienvenidos a casa” (“Welcome to Venezuela, welcome home”).
Support for Machado and the Fight for Democracy
In a recent interview with NPR, Ocean expressed his unwavering support for Machado, stating, “It had to be her. I think she might be the only one who can welcome us all [back] at some point.” He emphasized that the situation in Venezuela transcends politics, framing it as a battle between good and evil. Ocean believes Machado embodies the hope for a brighter future for the Venezuelan people.
Last July, Maduro claimed victory in a presidential election against opposition candidate Edmundo González, who was widely regarded as the actual winner. This led to protests both in Venezuela and globally, with Ocean’s lyrics appearing on signs and banners as his music became anthems for the diaspora. His personal stories of heartbreak resonated deeply with many, symbolizing the collective struggle against Venezuela’s socioeconomic crisis.
On the day of the Nobel ceremony, Ocean will have the opportunity to perform for Machado, who is set to attend the event in person. Also featured in this year’s lineup are Venezuelan pianist and composer Gabriela Montero and Norwegian folk singer Vera Sonne. Montero was awarded the Václav Havel International Prize for Creative Dissent by the Human Rights Foundation in 2023 for her activism related to human rights and anti-violence efforts in Venezuela.
As the world watches this significant event, the performances will not only celebrate Machado’s achievements but also highlight the ongoing struggles faced by millions of Venezuelans. Through his music, Danny Ocean continues to be a powerful advocate for change and a beacon of hope for those yearning for a peaceful transition in their homeland.
