José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, artistically known as El Taiger, was a prominent Cuban urban music singer, particularly in the reggaeton and reparto genres. He was born in Havana, Cuba, on September 6, 1987. From a young age, he displayed great musical talent, which led him to begin his career in the early 2000s. His initial steps in music were in the urban genre, within the movement of Cuban reggaeton. During this early stage, he gained recognition as a member of the duo Los Desiguales, alongside Damián. This project was very successful within the Cuban urban music scene and helped establish El Taiger in the musical landscape of the island.
Throughout his life, El Taiger managed to establish himself as one of the most influential representatives of Cuban reggaeton, bringing his music to various parts of the world, especially in Cuba and Miami, where a large part of the Cuban diaspora resides.
Su ascenso en la industria musical fue meteórico, destacando por su estilo único que mezclaba el reggaeton con elementos de la música tradicional cubana. Entre sus grandes éxitos se encuentran canciones como "The History", "We crown", "Speak, Matador", "Washy Puppy", "The Guariconfianza", y "Papelito", que resonaron tanto en las pistas de baile como en las plataformas digitales. Estos temas lo consolidaron como una figura clave dentro del género urbano cubano. También fue conocido por su colaboración con otros artistas, como Oniel Bebeshito, con quien lanzó el éxito "Mandarina Brand" en 2024.
Despite his musical success, El Taiger had a life full of ups and downs, including legal issues and controversies that at times impacted his career. His rebellious nature and refusal to adhere to market rules set him apart in the music scene, as he remained true to his roots and the style that brought him fame.
On October 10, 2024, at the age of 37 years, El Taiger passed away under tragic circumstances. He was shot in the head in Miami, and after fighting for his life for a week at Jackson Memorial Hospital, he was unable to recover from the injury. His death left a deep void in Cuban urban music and sparked a wave of tributes and condolences from both his colleagues in the industry and his fans.
The death of El Taiger shocked both Cuba and the Cuban community in Miami, where tributes were paid in the form of vigils and musical tributes. His friends, family, and fans remember his musical legacy as a reflection of the lives and struggles of young Cubans, as well as his authenticity and passion for music, which left an indelible mark on the Cuban urban genre.
