MIAMI — The widely-loved Venezuelan band Rawayana has decided to cancel its upcoming homecoming tour after facing criticism from President Nicolas Maduro. The president targeted the group over allegations that their lyrics are sexist, a move perceived by many as a politically charged attack, reflecting the band’s connections to his political adversaries.

Originally set to kick off this week with several sold-out performances across the nation, the band’s tour was unexpectedly called off on Tuesday evening.

During a rally in Caracas, Maduro specifically denounced Rawayana’s popular track “Veneka.” This term, traditionally used by Latin Americans to denote Venezuelans, has taken on a derogatory connotation in recent years as millions have fled the country amid escalating poverty and Maduro’s authoritarian governance.

Referring to the band, Maduro stated, “The group that made that song didn’t just mess things up, they stepped in it, they stepped in it. The women of Venezuela are called Venezuelans with respect and dignity. They are Venezuelans, not venekas!”

Despite the criticism, Rawayana claims that “Veneka” actually honors the beauty and resilience of Venezuelan women, even though it incorporates provocative lyrics and mixes salsa with electronic dub sounds.

This tour was supposed to mark a significant homecoming for Rawayana, which was founded in 2007 in Caracas. However, like many Venezuelans affected by the troubled economy under Maduro’s regime, some band members have found themselves living outside their native country in recent years.

Though the band has typically avoided direct political engagement, it has recently used its influential platform to voice opposition to Maduro’s reelection amidst widespread reports of electoral fraud this summer.

In a somber announcement on social media regarding the canceled tour, the group expressed, “This is how we say goodbye to our country until further notice. Our music is not meant to divide… Peace.”

The backlash against Maduro’s comments was swift, as many Venezuelans took to social media to express their dismay and support for the band. One disappointed fan stated, “I’ve never gone to a concert in my 23 years and with great effort I managed to gather my money. We can’t even be happy anymore.”

Last month, Rawayana received a nomination for Best Latin Rock Album at the Grammy Awards, scheduled for February in Los Angeles.