Yamir Robinson Puente, artistically known as «el Teacher», passed away this Monday after more than a year of battling carcinoma that affected his lungs and other vital organs.
He was 45 years old, the father of three children, and lived in Spain, where he is hospitalized at the Hospital Infanta Margarita de Cabra, in the Andalusian city of Córdoba.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his brother, Yasser Robinson Puente, in an emotional video shared on social media.
Visibly affected, Yasser Robinson announced the death of his brother with words that are moving the Cuban community both on the island and abroad.
“Unfortunately, I just received the call I never wanted to get. After a year and several months of fighting against a terrible illness, my brother has just lost the battle,” he said through tears.
In the video, Yasser described Yamir as someone who faced his illness with extraordinary strength, even in his most critical moments.
“A warrior has left us, a knight, a true warrior, a person who, knowing that death was imminent, asked me for calm and gave me strength,” he expressed.
His brother's farewell was marked by sorrow, but also by gratitude towards those who supported the family during the process.
“It has left us with a tremendous pain, it has left us with a very tough life experience”, said Yasser, before expressing gratitude to all those who supported the cause.
“I want to thank all the people who have dedicated their time, their strength, their willingness, their money, to keep an eye on him, who have sent messages of support, of encouragement,” he added.
Yasser also recalled his brother's personality with these words:
"I just lost my brother, a super charismatic and super optimistic person has gone."
Yasser Robinson concluded his heartfelt message with a final phrase of gratitude to everyone who supported his brother on this journey.
"Once again, thanks to everyone who was touched by this, gentlemen, truly," he concluded, visibly affected.
Yamir's latest post on social media
Yamir Robinson's last post on Instagram dates back a little over two weeks ago, when a brief update reflected his optimism.
"There is still a long way to go... my thanks to God always", he wrote on May 29th.
On March 26 of last year, Yamir Robinson posted another message on Instagram regarding his birthday, in which he also referenced the cancer he was suffering from.
Founder of Kola Loka
Yamir Robinson Puente was one of the original members of Kola Loka.
The group was formed in 2001 in Tercer Frente, Santiago de Cuba, as a trio consisting of brothers Yasser and Yamir Robinson Puente, along with Ángel Torres Callard, known as "Angelón".
Among the most recognized successes of the group are "No me da mi gana americana," "La estafa del babalao," "Terremoto" featuring Pánfilo, "El Indio," and "Booty grande."
Over time, the project became established as a duo between Yasser and Angelón.
Yamir distanced himself from the main group in 2013 and formed "La Pandemia." When Yasser was asked a few years ago about the reason for Yamir's departure from the band, he clarified that there were no issues between them; Yamir simply wanted to pursue his own project.
Currently, Yasser and Angelón are based in Miami, where they remain active.
The battle against illness
This Sunday, a fundraising request for Yamir Robinson was published on the GoFundMe platform.
"A young man (45 years old) is struggling between life and death today due to a carcinoma that has affected his lungs and other vital organs, forcing him to rely on assisted breathing to stabilize his condition," says the publication.
He also recalled his role as a father: "A father of three children who hold on to the comfort of embracing him again."
The campaign successfully raised 2,340 euros out of a goal of 6,500 euros, with 87 donors by the time this note was published.
Initiative to repatriate the body
After the news of his passing was announced, Cuban activist Noly Blak posted a video on social media urging people to keep the GoFundMe campaign active with a new goal: to raise funds to repatriate Yamir's body to the island.
"GoFundMe will remain there to see if they can help me raise some money to bring his body to Cuba, so that his family can say their final goodbye to this young man," wrote Blak.
Following the news of the death of Yamir Robinson Puente, several colleagues and Cubans in general have expressed their condolences for his untimely passing.
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