Kiko Rivera Opens Up About Health Struggles and New Music

Spanish artist Kiko Rivera appeared as a guest on the television program "El Hormiguero" to discuss his latest musical projects and reflect on a challenging period regarding his health. During the broadcast, the DJ and singer spoke about suffering a second, more severe stroke this past summer, an event that significantly altered his perspective on life.

The incident occurred on July 19, the day of the World Cup final, while Rivera was traveling. After initially feeling unwell following a performance, he noticed the left side of his body was paralyzed the next day. He was promptly admitted to the Sagrado Corazón hospital in Seville for medical evaluation and care.

Reflecting on the episode, Rivera admitted he genuinely feared for his life. "I thought seriously that I was not going to make it out of that second one," he stated. He attributed the medical emergency partly to chronic stress and the constant media scrutiny he has faced throughout his career in the public eye.

Although he is recovering, Rivera shared that the ordeal left lingering physical effects. He noted that he continues to experience difficulties with his leg and arm, as well as occasional mental fatigue after prolonged conversations. Despite these hurdles, he emphasized that the experience has shifted his priorities toward human connections and emotional expression.

The health scare directly inspired his new creative work, including his latest single "Volver a nacer" and an upcoming 12-track studio album titled "Volver a sentir." Rivera explained that he composed the lyrics and melodies himself, utilizing artificial intelligence tools to assist in the process. The songs focus on human relationships, affection, and appreciating everyday moments.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Rivera highlighted a positive personal development stemming from this turbulent period: the reconciliation with his mother, Isabel Pantoja, after a six-year estrangement. Urging viewers in similar situations to mend broken family ties, he expressed deep gratitude for having her support once again.

Looking forward, Rivera plans to transition from his established career as a DJ to performing his own songs live with a live band. Following remaining DJ commitments through 2027, he intends to launch a major concert tour in 2028 to share his new music and personal stories with audiences.