Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, known as El Taiger, could not recover from the damage caused by a gunshot to the head and has died at the age of 37 after spending seven days in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami (United States), as reported by Efe.
The artist was found shot in the back of a van in an area of the Allapattah neighborhood on October 3.
Since then, he had been hospitalized in the trauma unit of the mentioned hospital, where, despite medical efforts, he passed away today, as announced by his team in a statement.
The news of his death sparked a wave of reactions in the artistic world, both in Cuba and Miami. Artists like El Micha, Seidy La Niña, and Alex Duvall expressed their sadness through emotional messages on social media, remembering El Taiger as a close friend and colleague.
"This is how I will always remember you, old friend, how sad, my brother, how sad," wrote El Micha on his Instagram account.
Duvall shared a photo with El Taiger: "You left us quickly, buddy, your music will not be forgotten; you touched and united Cubans worldwide," he wrote.
Cultural figures like troubadour Carlos Varela and actress Yuliet Cruz Delgado also highlighted the musical and cultural legacy that the artist leaves in Cuban urban music.
"May God keep you and your mom give you a hug of peace. Light for you. Artists are bid farewell with a big applause," wrote Cruz Delgado.
During his hospitalization, El Taiger mobilized Cubans inside and outside the island, inspiring vigils and Catholic and other religious prayers, including Yoruba.
Cubans light candles next to photos of the deceased singer El Taiger.YAMIL LAGE | AFP
On social media, the hashtag #FuerzaTaiger became a trend, showing the magnitude of his influence and the affection he had in his home country.
The Miami Police Department continues the investigation to clarify the attack against the singer.
Law enforcement authorities have identified Damián Valdez-Galloso, alias El Narra, as a person of interest in the case and have offered a reward of $5,000 for information leading to his capture.
El Taiger began his musical career in the 2000s and quickly established himself as one of the most influential voices in Cuban reggaeton.
Throughout his career, he collaborated with artists like J Balvin and Cosculluela, and was known for his ability to blend reggaeton rhythms with traditional Cuban sounds.
His hits like Habla Matador and La Historia became anthems for a generation that saw him as a representative figure of their dreams and aspirations amid the difficulties faced on the island.