Martín “Mono” Fabio on Life After Heart Attack: Diet, Sex, and Finding Solitude
Martín Alejandro Fabio, widely known as “El Mono” of the Argentine rock band Kapanga, has undergone a significant lifestyle transformation following a heart attack in September 2024. The incident, which occurred during a performance, led to two angioplasties and the placement of seven stents. Fabio, who is also a citizen of Quilmes, has openly discussed the changes he’s made to his health and personal life, including his diet, habits, and relationships.
A Health Scare and a New Perspective
Fabio experienced a heart attack even as on stage, a moment that prompted a reevaluation of his lifestyle. He recounted feeling a strong chest pain while singing. Clarín reports that prior to the health scare, Fabio consumed a diet high in processed foods like milanesa napolitana with french fries, pizza, and pasta. He also admitted to smoking two packs of cigarettes and consuming eight to ten energy drinks daily.
Changing Habits and Facing Fears
Since the heart attack, Fabio has focused on changing his habits. While quitting smoking proved easier than expected, altering his diet has been more challenging. He has also addressed concerns about intimacy, revealing that he experienced the heart attack during sexual activity. This led to a degree of fear and caution. As reported by Clarín, he expressed apprehension about resuming sexual activity, stating, “I felt the elephant’s foot [touches his chest] while in a sexual act. That’s why I got scared.”
Finding Peace in Solitude and Cherishing Relationships
Fabio values his solitude, spending time at home with his 24-year-aged son and two dogs. He enjoys taking vacations, particularly returning to his hometown of Quilmes, where he feels a strong connection to the community. He is a citizen of Quilmes and feels like an ambassador for the city. He finds solace in his relationships with his son, who he describes as a source of support, and his dogs. He also maintains a close relationship with singer La Mona Jiménez, whom he has admired for 38 years. Infobae notes that Fabio counts the days since his health scare with the same precision he remembers the 32 years he has been sober.
Kapanga and Future Plans
Kapanga is celebrating 30 years as a band and is working on a new album featuring collaborations with other artists, including Pablo Lescano of Damas Gratis. Fabio acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a long-term band, comparing it to a marriage that requires renewal. He currently prefers to be single, stating he is comfortable with his current lifestyle and doesn’t actively seek a relationship.