Panamanian salsa singer Rubén Blades has announced his definitive retirement from the stage. He stated that his 2026 and 2027 world tours with the Roberto Delgado orchestra will be his last. Blades plans to return to Panama permanently by 2028 at the latest. The singer commented on the political situation in the country, particularly the silence of the leadership following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. He also spoke about decisions concerning the ports, pointing to what he considers undue Chinese influence in Panamanian internal affairs. Despite retiring from performing, Blades will continue his creative work, including new albums, films, and his autobiography.
