No products in the cart.
In the vibrant and sometimes turbulent world of Latin music, few stories are as compelling as that of Ovi. Known for his unique fusion of Cuban reggaeton and corridos tumbados, Ovi has become a rising star, but his journey to the top has been anything but conventional. As a journalist with a keen eye on the intersection of music, fame, and real-world struggles, Ovi’s story is a powerful reminder of the human drama that often plays out behind the beats and the luxury cars.
From Ciego de Ávila to Miami: A Journey of Survival
Ovidio Crespo Retureta, better known as Ovi, was born in the province of Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, in 1996. Like many Cubans, he grew up with a deep love for music, starting a small group with friends while he was still in school. But the financial realities of life in Cuba were stark. He began studying at the University of Medical Sciences in Havana but was forced to drop out to help support his family.
At the age of 20, he made a life-altering decision: to seek a better future in the United States. His journey was a harrowing one. He didn’t come to the U.S. directly but instead embarked on a grueling 25-day odyssey, traveling through multiple countries on foot, crossing nine borders from Ecuador all the way to the U.S. As he has recounted in interviews, it was a terrifying experience filled with danger and uncertainty, a stark contrast to the glamorous life he now leads. He finally arrived in the U.S., where he would eventually be signed by the record label Rancho Humilde, marking the beginning of his musical rise.
A Brush with Deportation: The Miami Incident
Ovi’s life took a dramatic turn in September 2024 when he was arrested in Miami after a road rage incident. According to reports, he allegedly pulled out a firearm and threatened another motorist. The charges were serious, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance. After his release from local custody, he was detained by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) for over three months at the Krome detention center, with the very real threat of being deported back to Cuba.
In candid interviews since his release in December 2024, Ovi has spoken about the profound fear he felt during his time in detention. The possibility of being sent back to the country he fought so hard to leave, a country he felt he would never be able to return to again, was a heavy burden. He has said that the experience was a humbling one, where his fame and millions of followers meant nothing to the immigration system. He has also expressed immense gratitude to the judge who granted him a pardon and restored his residency. Ovi publicly promised never to make such a mistake again, recognizing how close he came to losing everything.
A Voice for the New Generation
Ovi’s music has always reflected his reality, but his recent ordeal has added a new layer of depth to his artistry. His story resonates deeply with many in the Latin American diaspora who understand the hardships of immigration and the complexities of life in a new country. He has a massive following on social media, where he often shares glimpses of his life, from his collaborations with stars like Natanael Cano and Snoop Dogg to his more introspective thoughts on his journey.
In a genre that is constantly evolving, Ovi stands out not just for his unique sound but for his compelling personal narrative. He is a testament to the fact that music, fame, and real-life drama are often inextricably linked, and for Ovi, his journey from a young man seeking freedom to a celebrated artist fighting for his place in the world is a story that continues to captivate his fans and the world at large.
