Alexis Díaz-Pimienta shares heartfelt words for El Taiger: "Cuba in the blood. And everything else, of course."

The Cuban writer and improvisational poet Alexis Díaz-Pimienta offered poignant farewell words to the Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal, better known as El Taiger, following his death in Miami.

In his tribute, Díaz-Pimienta, an advocate for reggaeton in Cuban music, emphasizes the qualities that made the artist a popular icon. He mentions his talent, charisma, and the ability to transcend his art beyond the urban genre.

“El Taiger: Popular wisdom. Talent. Youth. Stage presence. Infectious smile. Popularity. Cuba in his blood.” This is how Díaz-Pimienta begins his tribute, comparing the shock caused by El Taiger's death to that of great figures in Cuban music such as Benny Moré, Polo Montañez, and Juan Formell.

The repentista emphasizes that, like these giants of music, El Taiger has succeeded in winning the hearts of the Cuban people, becoming a cultural reference for the island.

Díaz-Pimienta stands out for his mastery of meter and the use of literary devices in songs like "Habla, matador," which quickly gained popularity among Cuban youth. The phrase, which has transformed into a greeting among young people, reflects the impact of his music on everyday speech, a feat achieved by very few artists.

“Speak, matador.” Everything said without saying anything. “Killing the play” as an erotic-festive metaphor, a subtle knowing wink that makes you smile and claim it as your own with a transgressive yet polite consent,” said Díaz-Pimienta.

It also emphasizes the violent nature of El Taiger's death and the collective sadness it has sparked among the Cuban people.

Comparing him to the percussionist Chano Pozo, who also died violently in the United States, the writer notes that El Taiger's death has led to a genuine musical mourning, without any industry influence, just a shared pain felt by millions of fans and fellow artists.

"There is no 'pain industry'; there is a pain of industrial dimensions," writes Díaz-Pimienta, mentioning the dedications of other Cuban artists such as Cándido Fabré, Alexis Valdés, Lenier, and Chucho Valdés, who have paid tribute to the reggaeton artist through music.

The message concludes with a reflection on the essence of the artist that Cubans, both on the island and abroad, are mourning.

"The Taiger. The Matador. La Tranka. A young Cuban musician immortalized in a solid yet blurry image. That of a son so orphaned that he sang to gain more parents. That of a father so lonely that he sang to gain more children. That of a Cuban so Cuban that all of Cuba mourns him and sings his praises at the same time."