Manuel González Hernández, known as Manolín, is a Cuban singer and songwriter, graduated in medicine, which is why El Tosco nicknamed him the doctor of salsa. Manolín was born in Guantánamo, Cuba, on March 18, 1965.
Manolín is one of the most interesting and controversial figures in Cuban timba and a major sensation in the island's music scene during the 1990s. This medical student turned singer-songwriter had his first musical opportunity with the group NG La Banda, where he served as a backing vocalist and guest composer. Manolín never received formal training as a singer, but his stage presence and especially his songwriting skills set him apart as an inspired performer full of grace and charisma.
After his time with NG La Banda, he began his solo career and in 1993 released his first album, Una Aventura Loca, which made him well-known throughout Cuba. This was followed by Para mi gente (1995), which includes the single La bola, his most emblematic song that earned him the El Artista Cubano award in 1996, as well as De buena fe (1996) and Jaque mate (1998).
By the late 90s, Manolín rises to the top of the Havana hit parade. His band fills the nightclubs, and he offers his original songs to groups like La Charanga Habanera, NG La Banda, and Bamboleo, achieving resounding success on stages around the world.
The first setbacks in Manolín's career arise when he asks in his songs to "extend a hand" to the Cuban community in Miami. His lyrics advocating for friendship between Cubans from the island and Cubans from Florida are viewed unfavorably by the government and quickly banned in Cuba. He then decides to travel to Miami and stays there for a while, but not permanently. At one point, he was thought to be the bridge that would unite all Cubans around the world through music. Everyone is surprised when Manolín chooses to return to Havana after having loudly proclaimed his ties to the U.S. and the unity of all Cubans.
His second career in the Cuban capital is not what he expected, and he returns to Miami where he also performs in Europe, particularly in Italy, where his music has always been well received. Manolín then incorporated the master Tomasito Cruz, the former conguero of Paulito FG, into his ensemble, and the young virtuoso pailero Angel «Pututi II» Arces has returned to his side after a hiatus of several years. The combination of these two percussionists alongside the young phenomenon Reinier Guerra on drums and the unforgettable keyboardists Eduardo «Chaka» Nápoles and Luis Bu, provided Manolín with what is possibly the hottest timbera essence in history.
He signed a contract with BMG Latino to record a pop music album.
Manolín is very active on social media, and his controversial statements on political issues and contemporary Cuban cultural and political matters are frequent.
