Yamir Robinson Puente, artistically known as «el Teacher», passed away this Monday after more than a year of battling a carcinoma that affected his lungs and other vital organs.
He was 45 years old, a father of three children, and lived in Spain, where he is hospitalized at the Infanta Margarita Hospital in the Andalusian city of Córdoba.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his brother, Yasser Robinson Puente, in an emotional video posted 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 battling a terrible illness, my brother has just lost the fight,” he said, tearfully.
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 gentleman, a true warrior, a person who, knowing that death was imminent, asked me for calm and gave me strength,” he expressed.
The farewell to his brother was marked by pain, but also by gratitude towards those who supported the family throughout the process.
“It has left us with deep pain, it has given us a very tough life experience”, stated Yasser, before expressing gratitude to everyone who showed solidarity with the cause.
“I want to thank all the people who have devoted their time, their integrity, their willingness, and their money to support him, who have sent messages of support and encouragement,” he added.
Yasser also recalled his brother's personality with these words:
"I just lost my brother, a super charismatic, super optimistic person has gone."
Yasser Robinson concluded his heartfelt message with a final note of gratitude to all those who supported his brother on this journey.
"Once again, thank you to everyone who was moved by this, sir, truly," he concluded, visibly affected.
The latest post by Yamir on social media
Yamir Robinson's latest post on Instagram dates back to a little over two weeks ago, when a brief post reflected his optimism.
"There is still a path to travel... my God, I am always grateful", he wrote on May 29th.
On March 26 of last year, Yamir Robinson made another post on Instagram regarding his birthday, in which he also referred to 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 founded in 2001 in Tercer Frente, Santiago de Cuba, as a trio consisting of brothers Yasser and Yamir Robinson Puente, alongside Ángel Torres Callard, known as "Angelón".
Among the most recognized hits 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 solidified as a duo between Yasser and Angelón.
Yamir left the main band in 2013 and formed "La Pandemia." When asked a few years ago about Yamir's departure from the group, Yasser clarified that there were no issues between them; he 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 currently fighting for his life due to a carcinoma that has affected his lungs and other vital organs, requiring him to remain on assisted breathing to stabilize his condition," the post states.
He also recalled his role as a father: "A father of three children who hold onto the comfort of embracing him again."
The campaign was able to raise 2,340 euros out of a goal of 6,500 euros, with 87 donors by the time this report was closed.
Initiative to repatriate the body
After the news of his passing was announced, Cuban activist Noly Blak posted a video on social media urging to keep the GoFundMe campaign active with a new goal: to raise funds to repatriate Yamir's body to the island.
"We're going to keep the GoFundMe 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," Blak wrote.
Following the announcement of Yamir Robinson Puente's death, several colleagues and Cubans in general have expressed their condolences for his untimely passing.
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