'We told them about the idea and they thought it was important, because art truly is important in bringing a people together,' the singer said.

The Colombian said in the interview that he will not offer any political message during the concert and that performing in Cuba is important to open a window on the outside world for Cubans and give concert-goers some happiness, freedom, peace and fun for 'a little bit'.

Juanes said he was concerned that his performance on the island could spark a boycott of his albums and concerts by Cuban exiles in Miami.

'It could happen' but 'time will tell if (the Cuban show) was good or bad', he said.

A leading dissident group on the island said in a report released Monday that Cuba continues to have the worst human rights record in the Americas, a situation that has not changed since Raul Castro replaced his elder brother Fidel as president.

'The Cuban government continues to occupy the dishonorable first place in the world for the number (65) of prisoners of conscience recognised by Amnesty International,' the Cuban Commission on Human Rights and Reconciliation said in the report.