Tragedy struck on the night of Sunday, April 20, as the young Cuban singer Anthony, widely recognized in the music scene as Anthy L13, lost his life in a traffic accident in Havana. Hailing from the San Miguel del Padrón area of Havana, the teenager was a member of the musical duo El Versa and Anthy L13, rapidly gaining recognition within the urban music scene, a genre immensely popular among Cuban youth.
The somber news was shared via the Instagram account of "Grammy Cubanos," a platform dedicated to highlighting emerging artists in the urban music genre. In their heartfelt post, they conveyed their sorrow, stating that "the people of Cuba are deeply mourning." While specific details of the incident were not disclosed, it was reported to be a traffic accident. Images posted by the page depicted a large crowd gathered at what appeared to be the scene of the tragedy.
El Versa, Anthy L13's musical partner, shared one of the most poignant tributes, vowing to uphold the dreams they had together: "Everything we promised, I will fulfill, and from up there, you'll smile with the same joy as always." The duo, El Versa and Anthy L13, had quickly garnered attention on digital platforms in recent months.
Another touching farewell came from a close friend, who shared personal memories and hinted at the deep bond they shared: "This year was yours… You had a whole life ahead. Having had the chance to know you, give you the best advice, and be there for you, today I feel shattered." She also mentioned that they had been working on an unreleased song, which she plans to keep as a tribute.
Comments on the video posted by "Grammy Cubanos" reflected collective grief, shock, and helplessness. "For things like this, my mom doesn't let me go out," a user wrote. El Versa and Anthy L13 were part of the new wave of urban music artists in Cuba. They released tracks on YouTube, such as "El que las recoge" (9,500 views), "Me decía," "Patipolvo," "Party Fiesta," and "Pikt vs Pikt," which came out just weeks ago. Their style combined streetwise lyrics, catchy beats, and a youthful aesthetic that made them rising stars in Cuba's urban music scene.
The tragic passing of Anthy L13 comes just a month after another incident shocked the urban music world: the young urban singer Mulatico Mulañé, aged 23, was murdered in the Playa district of Havana. His death sparked a wave of grief among peers and fans, highlighting the growing violence surrounding many young artists on the island.
Understanding the Impact of Young Artists in Cuba's Urban Scene
Who was Anthy L13?
Anthy L13, whose real name was Anthony, was a young Cuban singer from San Miguel del Padrón, Havana. He was part of the musical duo El Versa and Anthy L13, gaining popularity in the urban music genre.
What was the significance of Anthy L13's music?
Anthy L13's music, characterized by streetwise lyrics and catchy rhythms, resonated with Cuban youth. His duo, El Versa and Anthy L13, was emerging as a significant force in the urban music scene.
How did the community react to Anthy L13's death?
The community expressed profound grief and shock. Tributes poured in from fans, friends, and fellow artists, highlighting the tragic loss and the impact Anthy L13 had in his short career.