Cuban Musician El Taiger Dies At 37

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Cuban musician Jose Manuel Carbajal Zaldivar, known as “El Taiger”, died Thursday in the US city of Miami at 37, his family said, a week after he was shot in the head and hospitalised.

A popular “urbano” singer who mixed reggaeton with traditional Cuban music, he was known for songs such as “La Historia”, “Papelito” and “Habla Matador”.

The Cuban Institute of Music said in a Facebook statement that “we bid farewell to one of the most well-known figures of the urban genre.” He had a strong love for his country and had never renounced his Cuban identity.

A Cuban woman holds a photo of late reggaetonist Jose Manuel Carbajal’s “El Taiger” as she pays tribute in Havana on October 10, 2024. El Taiger, a musician from Cuba, was shot to the head after spending a week in the hospital, according to the Cuban Music Institute and his family. He passed away on Thursday in Miami at the age of 37. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE / AFP)

Carbajal Zaldivar, who has lived in Miami since October 3 and was there for several years, was discovered unconscious inside a car by local authorities. The shooting was being looked into by Miami police.

The musician’s family thanked his medical team and those “who offered prayers and tributes during his hospitalization”, in a statement released on social media.

“Turn up the volume of your music, dance and celebrate his life”, the family added.

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On October 10, 2024, Cubans pay tribute to legendary reggaetonist Jose Manuel Carbajal’s “El Taiger” in Havana. El Taiger, a musician from Cuba, was shot to the head after spending a week in the hospital, according to the Cuban Music Institute and his family. He passed away on Thursday in Miami at the age of 37. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE / AFP)

Los Van Van, a renowned Cuban band, shared a photo of Carbajal Zaldivar’s passing on Instagram.

The group wrote, “We are deeply saddened by your death, but we are proud to have known you and shared the stage on numerous occasions.” “Rest in peace tireless warrior”.

Numerous people gathered in a park in the Guanabacoa neighborhood on Thursday night to say goodbye to El Taiger.

On October 10, 2024, a Cuban performer performs at a tribute in Havana while lighting a candle next to images of late reggaeton singer Jose Manuel Carbajal’s “El Taiger.” El Taiger, a musician from Cuba, was shot to the head after spending a week in the hospital, according to the Cuban Music Institute and his family. He passed away on Thursday in Miami at the age of 37. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE / AFP)

In honor of the musician, they placed photos of him, lit candles, and sang his songs while also turning on their cell phones’ lights in front of an old church.

“We are sad, very sad, but we are celebrating as he wanted, he said he wanted parties, joy”, Yuli Mauro, 30, told AFP, dancing to the music alongside her son.

“We already lit his candle to make light his way to heaven.”