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 was a significant phenomenon in the island's music during the 1990s. This medical student turned singer-songwriter got his first musical break with 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 brought him recognition throughout Cuba. He then followed up with Para mi gente (1995), which includes the hit single La bola, his most emblematic song for which he won the El Artista Cubano award in 1996, De buena fe (1996), and Jaque mate (1998).
By the late 90s, Manolín reached the top of the Havana hit parade. His band fills nightclubs, and he provides original songs to groups such as La Charanga Habanera, NG La Banda, and Bamboleo while 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 those 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 time, but not permanently. At one point, it was thought he would be the bridge that brought together all Cubans around the world through music. Everyone is surprised when Manolín chooses to return to Havana after vocally proclaiming 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 the master Tomasito Cruz, former conguero of Paulito FG, into his ensemble, and the young virtuoso pailero 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 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.
