In an emotional Instagram post on January 7, Dominican rap sensation El Alfa revealed that the loss of his beloved grandmother, Ramonita, has led him to make a monumental decision: he will retire from music later this year. At just 34 years old, the artist, whose real name is Emanuel Herrera, shared the heartbreaking news with his fans and followers, explaining how deeply his grandmother’s death has affected him.
“I know life goes on, but my feelings don’t go unnoticed. My grandmother taught me to love God above all things, so I will mourn in her memory,” El Alfa wrote in a poignant tribute, accompanied by photos of him with Ramonita and other family members. The rapper, who boasts a massive 14.5 million Instagram followers and 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify, went on to express the pain of not being able to spend more time with her due to his demanding career.
In his emotional farewell message, El Alfa continued, “I am temporarily saying goodbye to my audience who loves me. I’ll be back soon. Goodbye, Instagram.” The rapper, known for his chart-topping collaborations with Cardi B, Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, and others, shared his plans to officially retire from the music scene on December 18 of this year. “I could spend more time with her, but my work didn’t allow it,” he wrote. “The days of my retirement are getting shorter. On December 18th this year, I’ll never sing again… Rest in peace, Grandma. #Ramonita… I love you.”
El Alfa’s decision to step away from the spotlight comes after the passing of Ramonita, who he described as the “love of his life.” Last week, he shared with his followers that her death had left him devastated. “Today is one of the saddest days of my life,” he wrote, adding, “Since I came into this world, she always gave me all the love in the world and more. I am devastated. May God bless her.”
El Alfa’s career has been marked by several achievements, including the release of six studio albums and collaborations with some of the biggest names in Latin music. He’s earned platinum-certified hits and continues to shape the future of Latin urban music. Despite his success, the rapper made it clear that his family comes first. “I know I have given my all to the music, but my heart is heavy with the loss of my grandmother. It’s time for me to step back and grieve in peace,” El Alfa shared.
Fans and industry insiders alike have expressed support for the artist’s decision. El Alfa’s rep has not yet commented, but it’s clear that this is a deeply personal decision that goes beyond just the music industry.
El Alfa has been a fixture in the Latin music scene, known for his high-energy performances and collaborations with stars like Lil Jon, Rauw Alejandro, and Kali Uchis. However, his farewell to music signifies a new chapter in his life—one rooted in faith, family, and healing. As he prepares to step away from the stage, fans and friends continue to offer their love and condolences to the artist during this incredibly challenging time.
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