Cuban musician José Manuel Carbajal Zaldivar, better known by his stage name “El Taiger,” passed away on Thursday in Miami at the age of 37, his family confirmed. His death followed a week-long hospitalisation after he was shot in the head.
El Taiger was a prominent “urbano” artist, blending reggaeton with traditional Cuban sounds. He was known for hits such as “La Historia,” “Papelito,” and “Habla Matador.”
“We say goodbye to one of the most recognised figures in the urban genre, who never abandoned his Cuban identity and always expressed his love for his homeland,” the Cuban Institute of Music said in a Facebook statement.
Carbajal Zaldivar had been living in the United States for several years. He was hospitalized in Miami on October 3, after police found him unconscious in a car. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting.
His family expressed gratitude to the medical team and to those who “offered prayers and tributes during his hospitalisation,” through a statement shared on social media.
“Turn up the volume of his music, dance, and celebrate his life,” the family urged.
The legendary Cuban band Los Van Van also mourned Carbajal Zaldivar in an Instagram post, saying, “We are deeply saddened by your death, but proud to have known you and to have shared the stage with you. Rest in peace, tireless warrior.”
On Thursday night, in the Guanabacoa neighborhood of eastern Havana, a large crowd gathered in a park to pay tribute to El Taiger. In front of an old church, fans placed photos of the musician, lit candles, and sang his songs, illuminating the night with their phone lights.
“We’re sad, very sad, but we’re celebrating as he wanted. He wanted joy, he wanted parties,” said Yuli Mauro, 30, while dancing with her son to the music.
“We’ve already lit his candle so that he can reach heaven with light.”