Cuban reggaeton artist El Yonki is marking his birthday on October 12th, a day he admits will be unlike any other. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he revealed that this birthday will be "deeply sad and challenging," as it's the first he'll spend without his mother, who passed away on May 23rd. "I never imagined going through this," he expressed alongside a childhood photo. "I love you, mom. I promise to be the best version of myself and fulfill all the promises I made to you," he added.
Yet, the loss of his mother isn't the only shadow over El Yonki’s special day. Just two days before his birthday, on October 10th, his friend and fellow artist, El Taiger, died after a week in critical condition due to a gunshot wound to the head. In his Instagram stories, El Yonki reiterated the sorrow of this milestone, mourning both his mother and his friend. "It’s my first birthday without my mom and a friend," he wrote, expressing the depth of his grief.
In a video shared earlier, the artist explained to fans that despite his heartache, he had a commitment in Houston that night. He acknowledged the challenge of performing under such emotional strain but thanked his supporters for their unwavering encouragement. "This birthday won't be like the others; it's going to be really sad and really tough," he said, while promising to do his best under the circumstances.
Outpouring of Support
Despite the heavy times, El Yonki has been enveloped with love and support from friends, colleagues, and fans across social media. Messages from figures like Osmani García, who wished him "100 years of health, strength, and Ashe," to heartfelt notes from fans recalling childhood memories with his mother, continue to flood in. Comments like "Stay strong, blessings" and "Your mom is proud of you wherever she is" reflect the community's support, urging him to persevere.
His partner and manager, Ani Dieppa, also shared a touching tribute on Instagram for his 34th birthday, calling him her "king," "partner," and "future husband." "My beautiful boy, may you celebrate many more years filled with love and joy. I love you, happy birthday," she wrote, encouraging everyone to shower him with birthday wishes.