Emilio Frías, director of the orchestra El Niño y La Verdad, publicly revealed that he separated from the Abakuá religion 10 days ago, in an intimate confession he made on the podcast of Cuban actress Yuliet Cruz, published this Saturday on Instagram and YouTube.
"This is one of the most difficult decisions of my life," stated the musician, who clarified that the news had not been leaked until that moment.
Frías explained that he sent a formal letter to his power—the ritual group to which he belonged—requesting his release.
"I sent a letter to my authority, where I explain why I believe that what is happening today with this religion, in relation to social media, with a super indecorous exposure of brothers and men, does not align with my values."
The musician held one of the "high positions" within his Abakuá game at the time of his retirement, which makes his decision even more significant.
The reasons he stated are of an ethical nature: "The Abakuá religion has completely lost the sense of what it was created for," Frías argued.
The musician added that "there are very few powers, if any, that ethically uphold the principles and values of this religion."
He reported a specific incident that he described as serious: "A foundation was stolen from Havana and brought to this city, Miami, and a claim was made here. Without asking for permission from the elders. Without having authorization because the elders did not authorize it."
In the Abakuá tradition, the "fundamento" is the sacred ritual object that provides spiritual sustenance to each power, and the "plante" is the ceremony for founding a new unit. Moving a fundamento without the consent of the elders represents a serious transgression within the hierarchy of society.
"I do not want to continue being part of the gigantic degradation that this religion will continue to experience. Right now, what I am saying is a fact," stated the musician.
Frías clarified, however, that his formal retirement does not erase his consecrations.
"I cannot stop being Abakuá. It's like when you become a Santo, even if you throw the saints in the trash. I will never cease to be Abakuá because I have the consecrations, but I do not directly belong to the religion at this moment."
The announcement contrasts with the public positions that Frías had maintained in recent years.
In January 2024, the musician defended the image of his religion stating that "being Abakuá is not being a delinquent or a ruthless killer." In January 2025, he broke stigmas by describing it as a path to being "an upstanding man in society."
His departure is not a rejection of the foundational values of the fraternity, but rather a response to what he perceives as a widespread ethical degradation of its current structures and members.
The confession generated a wide response from the public, with comments highlighting the musician's bravery in addressing such a sensitive topic.
"A gentleman with principles, there are few left," wrote one of the followers, in a response that reflects the overall tone of the comments.
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