Yamir Robinson Puente, Founder of Kola Loka, Dies at 45

June 16, 2026

Yamir Robinson Puente, known artistically as "El Teacher" and one of the founders of the Cuban urban music group Kola Loka, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Hospital Infanta Margarita de Cabra in Córdoba, Spain, at the age of 45, after more than a year battling a carcinoma that had compromised his lungs and other vital organs.

The news was confirmed by his brother and bandmate Yasser Robinson Puente through an emotional video shared on social media. "Unfortunately, I just received the call I never wanted to receive. After a year and several months fighting a terrible illness, my brother just lost the battle," Yasser said.

In his message, Yasser described Yamir as "a warrior" and a strong, optimistic person who managed to bring calm to others even in his most difficult moments. "A warrior left us, a gentleman, a true warrior — someone who, knowing death was near, asked me to stay calm and gave me strength," he said.

Yamir Robinson Puente was a founding member of Kola Loka, one of the most popular groups in Cuban urban music. The group was formed in 2001 in Tercer Frente, Santiago de Cuba, as a trio made up of brothers Yasser and Yamir Robinson Puente, along with Ángel Torres Callard, known artistically as Angelón. Over time, the group became a duo of Yasser and Angelón, while Yamir stepped back from the main lineup.

Kola Loka earned widespread recognition in Cuban popular music with songs that defined an era, including La estafa del babalao, Terremoto, El Indio, and Booty grande. Yasser and Angelón currently live in Miami, where they have continued their involvement in music and the Cuban artistic community in exile.

In the months before his death, Yasser had launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his brother's medical expenses while he remained on assisted breathing. The campaign raised €2,297 of a €6,500 goal, with contributions from 84 donors. After Yamir's death was confirmed, fellow artist Noly Blak called on supporters to keep the campaign active to raise funds to repatriate Yamir's body to Cuba so his family could say a final goodbye.

Yamir Robinson was the father of three children. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, friends, and artists throughout the Cuban community both on the island and in exile.