Manuel González Hernández, known as Manolín, is a Cuban singer and songwriter, graduated from medical school, 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 significant presence in the island's music scene during the 1990s. This medical student turned singer-songwriter got 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 their 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. Following that, he released Para mi gente (1995), which included the single La bola, his most emblematic song for which he won the El Artista Cubano award in 1996, along with De buena fe (1996) and Jaque mate (1998).
By the late 90s, Manolín rose to the top of the Havana hit parade. His band packed the nightclubs, and he provided original songs to groups such as 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 friendship between Cubans from the island and those from Florida are frowned upon by the government and are 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 vocally 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 brought on board the maestro Tomasito Cruz, a former conguero of Paulito FG, to his band, and the talented young pailero Angel «Pututi II» Arces has rejoined him 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 sound 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 about political and current cultural issues in Cuba are frequent.
