Macarena's Creator Condemns Use of Song in White House Iran Attack Video

Antonio Romero Monge, one half of the Spanish duo Los del Río, has publicly criticized the White House for using their iconic song "Macarena" to promote its military actions in Iran. In a recent interview with Canal Sur Television, Romero expressed his dismay, stating that the purpose of the song was to bring joy to the world, not to be co-opted as a soundtrack for warfare. After seeing the video shared on social media by the White House, which featured harrowing images from an attack leading to the sinking of an Iranian ship in Sri Lanka, Romero claimed that his "hair stood on end". He questioned the appropriateness of using a lively and humorous song for such a grim context, asking, "Why use something so funny for something like this?" The track, celebrated globally for over three decades, has often inspired countless dance floors and joyous moments. Romero defended the song’s legacy, emphasizing its roots in the rich cultural heritage of Spain, saying, "This work was made to bring joy to the world, not the opposite. What fault do we have?" He lamented that once a piece of music reaches the public domain, it can be repurposed freely, yet he firmly believes that the intention behind the creation of "Macarena" was purely positive. This incident is not an isolated case; the White House has previously employed popular music to promote its military agenda. Similarly, allied forces, such as the Israeli Defense Forces, have used music in their propaganda efforts. In a recent example, a publication featuring the song "Danza Kuduro" accompanied a message boasting about military operations, which underscores a disturbing trend of blending popular culture with the harsh realities of conflict. As artists continue to grapple with the appropriation of their work for political gain, Romero’s call for respect highlights the ongoing tension between art and its potential use in narratives of power and violence. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2