Minutes after the profile of José Manuel Carbajal, better known as El Taiger, announced his passing this Thursday, numerous artists and public figures have reacted to the news on social media.
The Diva of the Buena Vista Social Club, Omara Portuondo, expressed her sorrow over the artist's passing, saying: "I'm very sorry for what happened and I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of this wonderful musician and singer. May he rest in peace."
The reggaeton artist El Micha posted on Instagram: “This is how I will always remember you, old friend. How sad, my brother, how sad,” along with an emotional message accompanied by a smiling photo of El Taiger.
Seidy La Niña requested peace for her soul on that very social network: "May your soul rest in peace... Light for your spirit, strength for your family."
The Cuban troubadour Carlos Varela dedicated a simple, brief message, yet rich in meaning: "Fly high."
Singer Alexx Duvall expressed his sorrow on social media, writing: "It's not the best photo, but it's the last one we took together, always looking out for me like a big brother every time you saw me."
He also mentioned: "So many projects and pieces of advice you gave me, not knowing that just a few days later this would happen. You left us too soon, my friend; your music will never be forgotten. You touched hearts and united Cubans all over the world, embodying the spirit of a nation. Fly high, José, and rest alongside your beloved mother."
The members of Gente de Zona join in the sorrow of many other artists who have shared heartfelt messages of condolence on social media.
"Shocked and heartbroken to hear the news since last Thursday until today," Alexander Delgado wrote on Instagram, accompanying the emotional message with a picture of both smiling, a testament to the deep friendship that united the two artists.
He also expressed his sorrow over the singer's passing, stating: “Everyone needs a second chance; this was not the way for a warrior like you to leave. But as your verses said, you are 'A Fighter,' and you fought until the end.”
For his part, Randy Malcom couldn't believe the news; however, he shared his feelings on Instagram: "I still can't believe it... José, your music will continue to echo on every corner."
"With a heart shattered in two, I have to tell you what I never imagined in my life, José, fly high, buddy!" wrote Yulién Oviedo as he bid farewell to El Taiger, reflecting the deep sorrow over his loss.
The singer La Diosa de Cuba expressed her condolences with the message: "Rest in peace, Taiger. May you find peace and reunite with your parents once again. Condolences to the family."
"Since October 3, my days have been filled with sadness and worry about José's situation," Yomil confessed, reflecting the pain and anguish he has experienced from the moment the artist was shot until his passing this Thursday.
Leoni Torres emphasized that his legacy will endure, stating: "Safe travels, friend. Much strength to your family. May your music continue to play forever."
The actress Yuliet Cruz Delgado also expressed her condolences, sharing an emotional message: "May God keep you, and may your mother give you a comforting embrace. Light be upon you. Artists are sent off with a great round of applause."
After hearing the news of El Taiger's passing, Cuban singer El Chacal shared an emotional video in which they embrace on stage, accompanied by the message: "Rest in peace, José. May God keep you in holy glory… I still can't believe it."
Nando Pro, Cuban music producer, expressed his disbelief and sadness following the news of the artist's passing, writing: "I hear the news, and I still can't believe it. This news is very shocking. May God hold you in glory, my brother. You will always be among us."
The singer Maykel Blanco shared his feelings on Instagram, writing: "Rest in peace, El Taiger, and our sincerest condolences to the entire family and fans. We are also here for anything you may need, as we won’t be able to be there in person due to previously scheduled international commitments. Rest in peace, José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar."
The Cuban singer Mawell also expressed his grief over the loss in a brief but heartfelt message: "We're going to miss you. Man, I can't believe it."
DJ Conds, who collaborated with El Taiger for 15 years, shared his grief on Instagram: "I have no words to express how I feel, it's devastating. We will miss you day by day, I already feel you, my brother, my guide. I love you so much, we've spent many days creating together. I’m heartbroken."
The singer-songwriter Descemer Bueno also mourned the loss of El Taiger, writing: "Today we lost a great artist. Honestly, I never thought we would say goodbye to you at the peak of your career. We will miss you dearly, José, thank you for giving us so many great songs and, on a personal note, for this one we wrote together. I will never miss the opportunity to sing it to remember you and to express my gratitude in front of the audience that will miss you forever. Rest in peace."
"We fought until the end, thank you for everything. A hug from Earth to Heaven, my bro..." wrote El Yonki alongside a picture of them both in the back of a car, reminiscing about their friendship after the passing of El Taiger.
The Orquesta Aragón expressed their sorrow over the sad loss with the message: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of this great representative of urban music in our country. Our sincerest condolences and support to his family and loved ones."
For her part, Rebeca Martínez shared her feelings in an emotional message: "Artists remain in the hearts of their audience," highlighting the legacy that El Taiger leaves behind after his passing.
Actress Heydy González expressed her sadness with an emotional message: "Every time we look up at the sky, we will remember your smile and your joy for life. You leave us your greatest legacy, your music, which will always be with us. Fly high and rest in peace!"
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