Omara Portuondo clarifies if she is retiring from music: "Each person decides how they want to live and die."

Omara Portuondo, at the age of 94, clarifies that she is not retiring from music. The iconic Cuban singer has decided to stop performing long concerts due to her age, but she will continue with her recordings and projects as long as she has the strength. "Music is within me—sky, earth, sea, and sun, joy and reason," she expressed in a message of gratitude to her fans.

Omara Portuondo de Cuba © Omara Portuondo / Facebook
Omara Portuondo from CubaPhoto © Omara Portuondo / Facebook

The iconic Cuban singer Omara Portuondo celebrated her 94th birthday on Tuesday, October 29, in Havana, surrounded by friends and admirers who paid tribute to her.

On the occasion of her anniversary, Portuondo shared an emotional message on social media to thank everyone for their congratulations and took the opportunity to dispel any rumors about her permanent retirement from music.

At 94 years old, the diva of the Buena Vista Social Club made it clear that, although she will no longer perform lengthy live concerts due to the natural fatigue of her age, her connection to music remains unchanged.

"I take this opportunity to clarify that I will no longer perform long live concerts because I tire easily, and that is natural considering my age. However, I want to make it clear that I am not retiring from music. I will continue with my recordings and other activities, as long as my age and health allow," Portuondo wrote on her Facebook account.

The artist emphasized that, despite the limitations imposed by the years, her passion for music remains her driving force. "I've always said that as long as I have the strength and people want to listen to me, I will keep singing. Because, as I always tell them... music is in me, sky, earth, sea, and sun, joy and reason," she expressed in her message.

Portuondo also took the opportunity to thank her family, friends, her doctor, and all the people who take care of her, highlighting that she feels "the joy" of having them by her side.

With her direct and sincere style, Omara Portuondo also asserted her right to live according to her own choices: "With the respect of everyone who sincerely appreciates me, each person decides how they want to live and die as well," she affirmed, reinforcing her philosophy of life with a dignity that has earned her the admiration of generations.

The renowned singer concluded her remarks with a special thank you to her friend and colleague Juan De Marcos, who recently sent her a message of admiration and respect.

Meanwhile, Portuondo assures that her voice will continue to be present in future recordings and projects, as long as her health and energy allow.

Thus, Omara Portuondo, an icon of Cuban culture, continues her legacy in music, making it clear that although she is bidding farewell to the stage, her love for the art remains eternal and profound.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but I live in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as a writer in the Entertainment section.


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