For many Cuban artists, including El Chacal, the death of El Taiger was a harsh blow and also a wake-up call to remind them of what truly matters in life.
In an interview with El Bafletazo, El Chacal discussed his recent encounters with José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar and what he felt when he learned he had been shot.
"That was a disaster (...) I couldn't believe it. I kept saying he was up to one of his usual antics because he was always online, doing things, goofing off, and messing around," the singer confessed.
"I did notice that he was unwell. The second to last time I saw him was at a concert in Houston (...) We talked for almost an hour (...) José was emotionally shattered; he told me that he saw his mother coming to give him a kiss, I swear it on my children," El Chacal recounted, visibly affected and with tears in his eyes.
"He definitely needed help," the singer asserted, adding that with the right people by his side, El Taiger would not have faced that ending.
If there is something that impressed El Chacal and served as a lesson for him, it was the video of the moment when Damián Valdez-Galloso shot El Taiger.
"Thank God and hug all your loved ones, tell everyone how much you care about them because it’s just a moment and you never know; that's what I saw there. You saw the video, it was just seconds, and then it was over (...) Of course, everyone had hope, absolutely, that a miracle would happen, even if he were just turned in a chair and taken to Cuba where they could care for him and give him food with an IV. No one wants anyone to die; who would want that? But it happens," the reggaeton artist added.
In his view, El Taiger's death should serve as a wake-up call: “Let's show each other a bit more love, let's have a bit more respect for one another, a little more tolerance. When we get home, let's kiss our children, let's be grateful for the roof over our heads and the food we have. Let's save a little money in the bank and stop indulging in so much nonsense, so much superficiality, and so much of what we do not need to consume.”
Frequently asked questions about the death of El Taiger.
Who was El Taiger and what was his impact on Cuban music?
El Taiger, whose real name was José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, was a Cuban reggaeton artist known for his authentic style and influence on Cuba's urban music scene. He was considered one of the most important reggaeton artists of his generation on the island, collaborating with stars like J Balvin and Bad Bunny. His music became a cultural emblem for many young Cubans, representing their dreams and aspirations amid the country's crisis.
How did El Taiger die?
El Taiger passed away after being shot in the head on October 3, 2024, in Miami. He was pronounced dead a week later at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he had been admitted in critical condition. The main suspect in the attack is Damián Valdez-Galloso, who is facing charges of murder.
What role did Damián Valdez-Galloso play in the assassination of El Taiger?
Damián Valdez-Galloso is the prime suspect in the murder of El Taiger. He is accused of shooting him in the head and then dragging his body to a vehicle to abandon it near the hospital. Crime scene footage indicates apparent premeditation, and Valdez-Galloso has pleaded not guilty in court.
What reactions has El Taiger's death provoked in the artistic community?
The death of El Taiger has caused shock and sorrow within the Cuban and international artistic community. Artists such as J Balvin, Farruko, and Tekashi 6ix9ine have expressed their condolences, while Cuban figures like Yomil, Alexis Valdés, and Alexis Díaz-Pimienta have shared heartfelt messages remembering his legacy. This tragedy has highlighted the need for emotional support and solidarity among artists.
Filed under:
