El Taiger

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 demonstrated a remarkable talent for music, leading him to embark on his career in the early 2000s. His initial steps in the music industry were within the urban genre, as part of the Cuban reggaeton movement. During this early phase, he gained recognition as a member of the duo Los Desiguales, alongside Damián. This project achieved significant success within Cuban urban music and helped to establish El Taiger in the island's musical scene.

Throughout his life, El Taiger established himself as one of the most influential figures in Cuban reguetón, bringing his music to various parts of the world, particularly in Cuba and Miami, where a significant portion of the Cuban diaspora resides.

His rise in the music industry was meteoric, distinguished by his unique style that blended reggaeton with elements of traditional Cuban music. Among his major hits are songs like "La Historia," "Coronamos," "Habla Matador," "Washy Pupy," "La Guariconfianza," and "Papelito," which resonated on both dance floors and digital platforms. These tracks solidified his status as a key figure in the Cuban urban genre. He was also known for his collaborations with other artists, such as Oniel Bebeshito, with whom he released the hit "Marca Mandarina" in 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 conform to market rules set him apart in the music scene, allowing him to stay true to his roots and the style that propelled him to fame.

On October 10, 2024, at the age of 37, 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 condolence messages 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 through vigils and musical homages. His friends, family, and fans remember his musical legacy as a reflection of the lives and struggles of young Cubans, along with his authenticity and passion for music, which left an indelible mark on the Cuban urban genre.