Danny Ocean grateful and in mourning: "I still would exchange justice for peace in Venezuela"

MIAMI - Danny Ocean is heartbroken. He is so sad that he won't talk about his upcoming North American tour or new music. Daniel Morales, the young Venezuelan who was forced to leave his hometown of Caracas for political reasons, has taken over his life since the Maduro regime has refused to respect the results of the July 28 elections.

"I really can't think of anything else," he told The Latin Times in Miami. This doesn't mean he is not working. Quite the opposite. The interview took place during a break during a photo and video shoot of an advertising campaign for Cotopaxi, a brand of sports clothes and goods that donates part of its earnings to climate and refugee organizations. "Their values align with mine. That's why I am doing this today," he explained.

It also doesn't mean he is staying silent. Danny Ocean, a globally recognized pop star, is using his platform to amplify the voices of millions of Venezuelans who have been forced to flee their homeland. His latest EP, "Venequia", released just before the election is a testament to his commitment to his country and his people and has become part of the soundtrack of the protest against the Maduro regime.

A refugee sings for 8 million more

"I didn't know if others wanted to hear it or not. I was just expressing how I feel about my country from my perspective," Ocean said about the seven songs in the album, which include an acoustic version of "Me rehúso," his biggest hit and an hymn for Venezuelans that have been forced to leave loved ones behind in the biggest migration wave in the history of the Americas, and the second one in the world. According to the UN Refugee Agency ACNUR, 7.3 million Venezuelans have escaped their country in less than a decade.

Different studies put the Venezuela diaspora in between 10 and 12 million, all leaving the country since 1998, when Hugo Chávez raised to power. Since then, the regime has taken control of all the powers and institutions. Since the election, current dictator Nicolás Maduro has boasted of detaining 2,000 people for political reasons. The number of deaths north of 50 people.

Although the vote of the diaspora is guaranteed by the current Constitution, less than 60.000 of those Venezuelans living abroad were allowed to vote. Even excluding a third of its citizens, the vote in Venezuelan went 70% towards the opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, with the support of the opposition leader María Corina Machado, according to the electoral acts made public by Machado and her team. The Maduro government hasn't released any details about the elections, which its claiming to have won.

"From the day of the elections, I think we've all awakened to this feeling again that we are truly Venezuelans, and lately, we've been more united than ever," Ocean expressed, capturing the renewed sense of unity among Venezuelans both at home and abroad​.

Danny Ocean as a political leader

Ocean's activism isn't confined to his music. He has been a vocal critic of the Nicolás Maduro regime, urging the international community to take concrete action. Recently, he took to social media to call out the International Criminal Court for what he sees as inaction regarding the situation in Venezuela. "What else do you need to see to understand the injustice that Venezuela is going through? We are tired of words! We need action!" Ocean tweeted, highlighting the frustration felt by many who believe that the international response has been insufficient​.

The song "Por la Pequeña Venecia" from "Venequia" has become an anthem for those demanding change in Venezuela. With lines like "Just leave, please" and "I'll trade you justice for peace," the song captures the desperation and longing for resolution that has permeated the Venezuelan diaspora. These lyrics have been seen on protest signs in cities around the world, as Venezuelans rally for their voices to be heard​.

Does he still feel the same? "The repression has been cruel, violent, savage, so it gives you a pause, but yes, I still think that its worth to just let them go. They have to go, So, do I think its worth to exchange justice for peace, I do," he said referring to Maduro and the rest of the leaders of the regime.

Beyond his music and advocacy, Ocean is also actively participating in global efforts to bring attention to the crisis in Venezuela. This Saturday, he will be among the artists representing Venezuelans in a worldwide protest, calling on leaders to respect the election results and support a peaceful transition of power. For Ocean, this is not just about political change but about restoring the dignity and humanity of the Venezuelan people.

"I'm just trying to put out my feelings as a Venezuelan citizen. I have a platform, and my biggest song talks about having to emigrate out of necessity. Ignoring what's happening would be disrespectful to the universe," he stated.

Danny Ocean's "Reflexa Tour kicks off on September 13 at the Moore Theater in Seattle, with stops planned in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Las Vegas, Houston, and many more major cities, but he really doesn't want to talk bout it. Not, yet because as he explains "All eyes need to be in Venezuela hasta el final - until the end."

In the meantime he can be seeb on social media protesting or lending his music and words to the Venezuelans demanding the exit of the regime.