Bachata Legend Félix Cumbé Passes Away After Complications

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Félix Cumbé, a renowned bachata singer, died Tuesday night at the age of 63 following complications from a catheterization procedure, confirmed by his wife, Fanny Carolina Adames.

Cumbé suffered two cardiac arrest incidents while undergoing the procedure at the Centro de Diagnóstico, Medicina Avanzada y Telemedicina (Cedimat), where he had been hospitalized for several days due to respiratory, renal issues, and chronic anemia.

His daughter, Katty Cumbé, shared the news on social media, appealing for prayers for her father shortly before the confirmation of his passing. “Please pray for my father, he urgently needs it. He underwent a catheterization, everything seemed fine, but he suffered two arrests,” she wrote.

Born Critz Sterlin in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 1961, Cumbé moved to the Dominican Republic at the age of 13 in 1977. He became a celebrated figure within the music scene, known for blending merengue and bachata styles.

Notably, in May 2024, he experienced a stroke (cerebrovascular accident), impacting his health significantly. Despite a period of recovery and a remarkable comeback to the stage in 2012 with the hit “Tú no ta’ pa’ mí,” his health issues lingered.

Earlier this year, he was hospitalized for respiratory and renal problems as well as chronic anemia. During this hospitalization, his condition appeared to improve, offering hope to his family and fans. However, his health deteriorated suddenly, leading to his admission at Cedimat, where he ultimately passed away.

Cumbé was particularly well-known for his viral hit “Fui, fuá,” which gained immense popularity on TikTok, solidifying his status as a key figure in the Dominican music scene.

His contributions to bachata and merengue continue to inspire future generations of artists. The news of his death has been met with an outpouring of condolences from fans and colleagues alike, reflecting on his legacy in Latin music.

Félix Cumbé’s life journey from Haiti to Dominican stardom exemplified resilience and passion for music, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the Dominican Republic.