Police in the Dominican Republic have taken into custody Amarilis Brito Rodríguez, a 64-year-old singer, after she performed a high-tempo rendition of the national anthem during a karaoke session. The incident, which occurred at a restaurant named Mofongo & Variedades Eddy, went viral on social media, drawing both attention and controversy.
Brito’s performance featured the national anthem set to the local rhythm known as dembow, a style distinct from the traditional presentation of the anthem. According to a police report issued on March 5, 2024, authorities accused her of disrespecting the national symbol. A video of the event shows Brito energetically engaging with the audience, swaying to the music while holding the microphone, with customers around her enthusiastically singing along.
Following the widespread attention, police located Brito at her home in San Víctor and arrested her on March 4. As she was led into a government building handcuffed, she expressed a light-hearted apology to reporters, saying, “Sorry, sorry.” Brito explained that she had written the version of the anthem she performed twenty-two years ago, noting that there was no law against such interpretations at that time.
The police cited Article 37 of Law 210-19, which governs national symbols in the Dominican Republic. This law prohibits alterations to the anthem’s lyrics or tempo, as well as performing it in a manner deemed inappropriate, such as turning it into a danceable piece or dancing while it is performed. Violating this law can lead to several months in prison and fines.
Despite the charges, Brito maintained that she had not intended to offend anyone. “I used the anthem’s verses to express my free spirit,” she stated. “I comply with what the law says, but I don’t regret it because I don’t feel I did any harm.” When asked if she would apologize to the nation, she responded with a smile, saying, “Forgive me, my country, forgive me in every way I need to ask. Now, it’s much easier to ask for forgiveness than it was to ask for permission.”
The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media. Some users criticized Brito for her interpretation of the anthem, claiming it should be treated with the utmost respect. Others directed their frustration at the police, arguing that they should focus on addressing pressing issues such as violent crime and corruption in the country.
As of now, the outcome of Brito’s case remains uncertain, with many awaiting further developments. The intersection of artistic expression and national pride continues to resonate in public discourse, highlighting the complexities surrounding cultural symbols and individual rights.
