The Cuban reggaeton star José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, widely known as El Taiger, was pronounced dead this Thursday at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital. He had been hospitalized for a week after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. An official statement on the artist's Instagram page confirmed the tragic news: "Sadly, this afternoon, El Taiger was declared dead and has now joined his beloved mother in heaven."
According to Jorge Junior, the musician's cousin and director of Los Cuatro, the incident occurred at 12:40 pm. The statement detailed that on the morning of October 4, the musician "fell victim to a senseless act of violence. He was discovered near Jackson Memorial Hospital and swiftly moved to the Emergency Intensive Care Unit."
The family expressed gratitude to the medical team that "worked tirelessly to provide the highest level of care" to the performer of "La Historia." They urged fans of the singer, who explored various genres during his vibrant career, to "honor his memory by celebrating the joy he brought to many." "El Taiger was the heartbeat of the people, and now we must keep that spirit alive through his music and legacy," the statement emphasized. A memorial service will be announced soon for fans of "Big Tai" to pay their respects.
The Impact and Legacy of El Taiger
The critical condition of the artist had shaken the Cuban music community and his followers worldwide, who closely monitored his condition since he was hospitalized in critical condition last week on Thursday. His situation also dominated headlines across media outlets in Cuba, the United States, and Spain, where his track "La Historia" was a summer anthem for two consecutive years.
El Taiger, often hailed as the most significant reggaeton singer of his generation in Cuba, was being treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where his condition remained dire due to the bullet's impact on his brain. On October 7, Miami police offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Damián Valdez-Galloso, known as "El Narra," the main suspect in the attack against El Taiger. Police reports indicate evidence contradicts the theory of a suicide attempt, pointing instead to Valdez-Galloso, who has a criminal record, as a critical person of interest in this investigation. He is currently at large.
A Cultural Beacon Amidst Crisis
El Taiger's death signifies a significant loss for urban music on the island. Throughout his career, he revolutionized the landscape of reggaeton, cubatón, trap, and other genres, which have profoundly influenced Cuban popular culture over the past 15 years. His songs became anthems for a generation, and his distinctive style established him as one of the prominent artists in the reggaeton scene on the island.
He collaborated with major artists such as J Balvin, Cosculluela, and Bad Bunny. El Taiger was celebrated for his authenticity and refusal to conform to the music industry's norms, choosing to forge his path and remain true to his roots. Beyond his musical prowess, El Taiger served as a cultural icon for many young Cubans. In the midst of the severe Cuban crisis in recent years, he was viewed as a voice for the people, embodying their dreams and aspirations.