Rawayana Cancels Venezuelan Tour Following Maduro's Criticism of Hit Song

The Grammy-nominated band halts performances in its home country after the president denounced their song 'Veneka' as offensive to Venezuelan women.

Rawayana, a Venezuelan band nominated for the 2025 Grammys, canceled its sold-out December tour in Venezuela after President Nicolás Maduro condemned their song 'Veneka.'
Maduro criticized the song during a public rally, calling the term 'Veneka' derogatory and disrespectful to Venezuelan women, despite the band's claim that the song celebrates their strength and beauty.
The band, which has been critical of Maduro's government and the disputed July presidential election, announced the cancellation on social media, citing external factors and emphasizing a message of peace.
Many fans and public figures, including opposition leader María Corina Machado and fellow Venezuelan artists, expressed support for the band and disappointment over the canceled concerts.
The cancellations come as Rawayana continues to gain international recognition, including a Grammy nomination and upcoming performances at Coachella 2025.