Omara Portuondo retires definitively from the stage at 93 years old

October 3, 2024

The extraordinary Cuban singer Omara Portuondo has announced in recent hours her retirement from the stage, just days before her 94th birthday and after a life devoted to the best of music.

The diva of the Buena Vista Social Club communicated her decision "to friends around the world" through social networks, in a message signed by her son and representative, Ariel Jiménez Portuondo:

"As son and manager of Omara Portuondo, I deeply appreciate the expressions of affection and concern for my mother's health. I want to confirm to you that at this moment we are in Barcelona and she is well, under the care and supervision of her personal physician who for more than 20 years has accompanied her to any place in Cuba and the world where she performs.

This month of October, Omara will turn 94, those who know her closely know that singing is her way of living. Of course, due to her age and health conditions, she no longer gives extended concerts and has said goodbye to many international stages. But to deprive her of the possibility of singing, whenever she has the spirit, vocal conditions and strength, would condemn her to sadness. The encounter with the public, the applause and the songs, keep her alive and in good spirits. Even, by medical recommendations, the possibility that she continues singing, rehearsing and recording, contributes favorably to her mental health, although at a moderate pace and always in accordance with her physical state. For this purpose, she undergoes periodic exams and her indicators are monitored.

In the effort to keep her active and receive the warmth of the public in countries and stages very dear to her, we conceived together with Cuza Agency, and with the support of the Orquesta Failde, a tribute show to the Buena Vista Social Club and to those great artists who are no longer here. She would appear to perform a few songs, from her condition as an exceptional protagonist of that project and in the same way she did with the original lineup. Only four special presentations were organized, the only ones she would perform this year outside of Cuba and with sufficient time between dates to ensure her rest. It was a great emotion to see her interact with thousands of spectators in recent weeks in Colombia and Gran Canaria, where she received an injection of love.

During the night of October 2nd, at the Palau de la Música in Barcelona, after performing the classic "Quizás quizás" by Osvaldo Farrés, Omara showed signs of fatigue and disorientation, so we considered it best to remove her from the stage. Something like this can happen to any artist regardless of age. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused. We thank the Festival Crüilla and Jordi Herreruela. However, it is necessary to clarify that La Failde continued with the scheduled show, with the professionalism and quality that characterize them. This group of young musicians from Matanzas has worked closely with Omara during the last decade, always from the greatest respect and affection and have earned the gratitude of our family.

Given this fact, we consider it appropriate to announce Omara's definitive retirement from the stage during the presentation in Budapest next Sunday, where she will be honored by the Orchestra and the attending public. On this occasion Omara will not sing, she will receive the affection and applause. After this, and for the reasons we shared before, she will continue rehearsing and recording from her home studio or participating in tributes and encounters with the public who wish to shower her with affection, only to the extent that her health and disposition indicate. Her family and most faithful admirers will understand that she continues singing whenever and however she feels like it, because she has earned that right"