The Cuban singer Haila María Mompié dedicated an emotional message on Instagram to celebrate the fourth birthday of the saint of her only son, Haned Mota, who began his journey in santería four years ago under the protection of San Lázaro.
In the post, the artist described the date as a moment of deep spiritual gratitude: "Today my heart celebrates the fourth saint's birthday of my only son, a child blessed by Saint Lazarus. Four years of consecration, learning, protection, and spiritual growth. A day to give thanks, remember, and honor all the love that has accompanied his journey."
The "saint's birthday" is one of the most significant dates within Santería or regla de Ocha, an Afro-Cuban religion with Yoruba roots. It marks the anniversary of the day when a person was initiated and is typically celebrated with particular solemnity within this religious tradition.
The image accompanying the publication shows Haned sitting on a golden throne, dressed in a purple velvet robe adorned with golden embroidery, as he receives a crown in an elaborate ceremony surrounded by candles, white and purple flowers, and religious figures.
Haila reserved special words for Juanma Yemalla, known in religious circles as Emi Addé, godfather of Haned in the faith and also the singer's own godfather: "My infinite gratitude to someone who is not only your godfather in the faith but also my godfather, my friend, my support, my everything, and the savior of my home. You are one of the greatest blessings that life has placed in our path."
The artist also paid tribute to two deceased figures who shaped her son's spiritual journey: his oyubbona Livan Omilaggua and his godfather of Oddón, Reinaldito, known as Olokum Ya. "Although they are no longer physically among us, we will never forget their teachings, the affection they gave us, and the indelible mark they left on his religious life," she wrote.
The message concluded with a direct prayer to the patron saint of Haned: "Blessed Saint Lazarus, always look upon him with eyes of compassion, cover him with your mantle, protect him from all harm, and never let him go from your hand. When his strength falters, lift him up and guide him always along good paths."
Haned Mota, born in Havana on February 26, 2001, is a musician, composer, and producer. He graduated in percussion from the National School of Art and since 2024 has been developing his artistic career from Miami, collaborating with Gente de Zona, among other projects. In a recent interview, Haned confessed that being the son of Haila and Aned has opened doors for him, but it has also imposed the pressure of having to carve out his own path.
The link between Haila and Afro-Cuban religion is well-known and longstanding: in 2020, she celebrated 21 years since she crowned Oshún, which places her own initiation in 1999. In December 2025, the singer publicly asked San Lázaro for the prisoners and the forgotten mothers of Cuba, demonstrating once again her strong connection to Afro-Cuban religion.
"Happy fourth birthday of the saint, my son! May the blessing of San Lázaro accompany you throughout your life," the singer concluded in her post.
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