Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel extended his heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the legendary singer Omara Portuondo on Thursday. Portuondo experienced fatigue and confusion during her performance at Barcelona's Palau de la Música on Wednesday, October 2. "Dear Omara, we send you a big hug, hoping for your swift recovery. You are a legend of Cuban music, and your voice will always be with us. We love you dearly," Díaz-Canel expressed on the social media platform X.
Unexpected Exit from the Stage
After a period of uncertainty regarding her condition, Omara, fondly known as the "Diva of the Buena Vista Social Club," has decided to retire from live performances, as announced by her son and manager, Ariel Jiménez Portuondo. Through a social media statement, Jiménez thanked fans for their outpouring of support and provided an update on the artist's health. During the concert, two members of the Orquesta Failde had to assist her off the stage after she appeared disoriented from the start of her performance.
A Troubling Performance
The concert began with Portuondo seated onstage, greeted by an enthusiastic audience chanting "Queen Omara!" Yet, confusion soon replaced anticipation when the singer struggled through only a brief segment of the chorus for "Lágrimas Negras," and stopped singing even as the orchestra continued to play. Despite multiple attempts by the musicians to encourage her to resume, she managed only a few lines, notably "Contigo me voy mi santa, aunque me cueste morir," as reported by the Spanish newspaper El País. Ultimately, she was led offstage amidst applause.
Audience Reaction and Uncertainty
This concert was anticipated to be her farewell performance in Spain. Dozens of attendees, discontented with the abrupt ending, left the venue early, gathering outside the Palau de la Música to demand refunds for tickets, which were priced up to 75 euros. Several formal complaints were lodged, with some spectators describing the event as exploitative, given Portuondo's visible anxiety and disorientation.
Following the Barcelona performance—a city where she has appeared frequently in recent years—Omara was scheduled to perform with the Orquesta Failde in Budapest, Hungary, on October 6, according to the group. However, this plan now remains uncertain in light of recent events.