José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, known as 'El Taiger', passed away on October 10 in Miami due to a gunshot wound to the head. His representative, Carlos Alfaro, informed EFE that the Cuban artist was found in the back of a vehicle and rushed to a hospital, where he was hospitalized for about a week.
The ashes of 'El Taiger' were repatriated to Havana on October 25, following the artist's wish to rest alongside his parents in Cuba, according to his cousin Jorge 'Junior' Hernández. The public funeral took place at the El Sauce Cultural Center, where fans of the musician paid tribute by singing his songs.
Known for hits like 'El papelito' and 'Esa mujer', 'El Taiger' had been living in Miami in recent years, although his popularity in Cuba was notable. The Cuban Institute of Music announced that, following a family request, an intimate ceremony will be held in Havana at the Juan Formel room of the El Sauce Cultural Center, where his ashes will ultimately be placed in the Colón necropolis.
Beginning his career in the group Los 40 in 2006 at the age of 17, 'El Taiger' stood out in the musical genre of 'reparto', the Cuban version of reggaeton mixed with other rhythms like timba. He collaborated with renowned artists such as Bryant Myers, J Balvin, and Bad Bunny, popularizing this musical style despite criticisms and controversies. His lyrics reflected the complex reality of Cubans, thus gaining a considerable number of followers.
