Manuel González Hernández, known as Manolín, is a Cuban singer and songwriter, a graduate of 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 notable phenomenon 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 from others as an inspired performer full of grace and charisma.
After his time with NG, the band begins his solo career and in 1993 he releases his first album, Una Aventura Loca, which makes him well-known throughout Cuba. Subsequently, he released Para mi gente (1995), which includes the single La bola, his most emblematic song that earned him the El Artista Cubano award in 1996, followed by De buena fe (1996) and Jaque mate (1998).
By the late 90s, Manolín rose to the top of the Havana hit parade. His band fills the nightclubs, and he offers original songs to groups such as La Charanga Habanera, NG La Banda, and Bamboleo, achieving tremendous success on stages around the world.
The first setbacks in Manolín's career arise when he asks in his songs for the Cuban community in Miami to "lend a hand." His lyrics advocating for friendship between Cubans from the island and Cubans in Florida are frowned upon 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, it was thought that he would be the bridge that united all Cubans around the world through music. Everyone is surprised when Manolín chooses to return to Havana after having publicly 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 alternates with performances in Europe, particularly in Italy, where his music has always been well received. Manolín then incorporated maestro Tomasito Cruz, former conguero of Paulito FG, into his band, and the young virtuosic pailero Angel "Pututi II" Arces has returned to his side after a hiatus of several years. The combination of these two percussionists, along with 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 current Cuban cultural and political affairs are frequent.
