Manuel González Hernández, known as Manolín, is a Cuban singer and songwriter, a graduate in medicine, which is why El Tosco dubbed him the doctor of salsa. Manolín was born in Guantánamo, Cuba, on March 18, 1965.
Manolín is one of the most intriguing and controversial figures in Cuban timba and a significant presence in the music scene of the island during the 1990s. This medical student turned singer-songwriter got his first musical opportunity with NG La Banda, where he served as a backup 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 embarked on a solo career and in 1993 released his first album, Una Aventura Loca, which brought him recognition throughout Cuba. Subsequently, he released Para mi gente (1995), featuring the single La bola, his most emblematic song for which he won the El Artista Cubano award in 1996, followed by De buena fe (1996) and Jaque mate (1998).
By the late 90s, Manolín reached 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 great success on stages around the world.
The first setbacks in Manolín's career arise when he asks in his songs to "reach out a hand" to the Cuban community in Miami. His lyrics advocating for friendship between Cubans on the island and those in Florida are poorly received 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 he would be the bridge that united all Cubans in the world through music. Everyone is surprised when Manolín chooses to return to Havana after having loudly proclaimed his ties with 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 the master Tomasito Cruz, former conguero of Paulito FG, into his group, and the young virtuoso timbalero Angel “Pututi II” Arces has returned to his side after a several-year hiatus. The combination of these two percussionists along with the young phenomenon Reinier Guerra on drums and the indelible keyboardists Eduardo “Chaka” Nápoles and Luis Bu, provided Manolín with what is possibly the most vibrant 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.
