Cuban singer El Micha opened up on Wednesday during an interview with Destino Talk, revealing his recent diagnosis of prediabetes. The condition stems from years of accumulated stress due to social media attacks and pressures from the music industry in Miami.
At 44, the artist explained that this health issue accounts for the significant weight loss that concerned his fans and sparked rumors about his well-being in recent days.
In Miami, speculation arose that he might have been suffering from cancer or a sexually transmitted disease. "Death felt like it was right beside me. I was in a really bad place," he candidly admitted.
The Silent Onset of Symptoms
With two decades in the music scene, El Micha described the stealthy arrival of his symptoms.
"I'd find myself dozing off on the couch in the afternoon, watching anything. I'd look in the mirror and notice the weight dropping," he recounted.
Initially, he convinced himself it was due to poor sleep or stress, until he finally sought medical advice.
"The doctor told me, thank God you're here, because my sugar levels were extremely high," he confessed. "The stress led to my prediabetic condition."
Struggling with Emotional Turmoil
During his worst times, the singer acknowledged behaviors that mirrored his emotional turmoil. "Sometimes I didn't want to go home, I'd stop at any gas station. I'd have three or four beers, even though I'm not a drinker by nature," he revealed.
He feared waking up drunk at a gas station or potentially overdosing, citing fellow Cuban artists like the late El Tiger and the incarcerated Chocolate as examples of those who succumbed to bullying and stress at their lowest points.
Returning to Cuba: A Controversial Choice
Amid such challenges, El Micha decided to return to Cuba, a move that faced harsh criticism from Miami's Cuban exile community, labeling him a "communist."
He explained that the journey was a matter of survival. "Cuba healed me. It was the love I missed for three years," he expressed. "You can take me out of Cuba, but don't take Cuba out of me. That's my home."
El Micha also admitted to mishandling his abrupt departure from Miami without properly informing his family.
"I acted cowardly. I withdrew, saying I couldn't take it anymore," he confessed, apologizing to his children's mother.
Personal and Professional Repercussions
Last week, Ana María Daniel publicly defended him on Instagram, emphasizing that El Micha "is the father of my children." The two shared 14 years together and have two children, although their separation was confirmed in September 2025, they maintain a friendship for the children's sake.
On the professional front, El Micha is working on tracks like "Tu culpa," "Culpa mía" with Dylan, and "Daylena" featuring El Zurdo. He has no plans to perform in Miami anytime soon. "Until I feel better, I don't want to perform in Miami," he stated. The incident on Mega TV in September 2024, where he walked off set during a heated discussion about Cuba, marked the start of his public withdrawal.
"If you're not happy, you can't make anyone else happy," El Micha concluded in the interview, his first time speaking openly about his diagnosis and the crisis that nearly cost him more than just his health.
Understanding El Micha's Health Journey and Career Choices
What health condition was El Micha diagnosed with?
El Micha was diagnosed with prediabetes, attributed to prolonged stress and pressure from the music industry and social media.
Why did El Micha decide to return to Cuba?
El Micha returned to Cuba as an act of survival, seeking healing and the love he felt he was missing, despite facing criticism from Miami's Cuban community.
What impact did stress have on El Micha?
Stress led to El Micha's prediabetic condition and significant weight loss, affecting his physical and emotional health.