'I am not a communist. I am not aligned with the government. I'm not going to Cuba to play for the Cuban regime.'

Juanes's concert has drawn sharp criticism from some Cuban exile groups in Miami that contend the message should be about bringing freedom to the Cuban people, the release of political prisoners and respect for human rights.

A number of Cuban exile groups, however, have expressed support for Juanes's concert in the Cuban capital.

Juanes will be joined in Havana by Spanish singer Miguel Bose and Puerto Rican singer Olga Tanon, as well as Cuban performers Silvio Rodriguez and Los Van Van.