The Cuban lawyer and television host Ana María Polo has called for justice in response to the "cruel death" of reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, known as El Taiger, whom she held in high regard for his music. On her Instagram account, Dr. Polo shared a heartfelt message following the singer's passing: "Fly high, Taiger! You have always been and will remain in my heart, with your music always playing... Now it's our turn to seek justice for your cruel death!"
El Taiger was pronounced dead this Thursday at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where he had been in critical condition for a week after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. A statement on the artist's Instagram page confirmed the tragic news of the 37-year-old musician's death: "Sadly, this afternoon, El Taiger was declared deceased and has now joined his beloved mother in heaven."
Community Calls for Justice
The death of the singer has sparked an outcry among artists, other figures connected to the Cuban music scene, and fans demanding justice. Rey El Mago, husband of singer La Diosa, shared his thoughts on social media: "Rest in peace, Jose. I only wish for JUSTICE and that you may truly rest in PEACE. Condolences to the family, and may God always watch over your daughters."
The Miami Police Department is continuing its investigation into the assault against Carbajal that occurred the previous Thursday, which ultimately resulted in his death. This Monday, the department announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the whereabouts of Damián Valdez Galloso, known as "El Narra," who is allegedly the main suspect in the shooting of the reggaeton artist.
Suspect's Troubled Past
Valdez Galloso, a Cuban national, has an extensive criminal record that includes a 2021 arrest and charges for grand theft. He has also been registered as a sex offender since 2007 after being accused of having sexual relations with a 17-year-old minor. On at least two occasions, he has been detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On Thursday, shortly after El Taiger's official profile announced his passing, numerous artists and public figures expressed their reactions to the news on social media. While the reggaeton artist fought for his life in the hospital, his fanbase paid tribute to him both in Miami and Cuba. The first of several vigils was held outside Jackson Memorial, where supporters prayed for his recovery and remembered his achievements.
A Heartfelt Tribute from Ana María Polo
Dr. Polo is one of many in the entertainment world who have acknowledged the talent of the Cuban artist. Two years ago, the host of the popular TV show "Caso Cerrado" posted a video on her social media of herself singing El Taiger's song "La cura" while playing a guitar. At the end, she is heard saying, "that song is beautiful."
In another moment, the person filming asked Polo who El Taiger was, to which she replied, "He is a Cuban reggaeton artist with really good songs." The singer was touched by the lawyer's video, not only because such a well-known Cuban figure in the Hispanic entertainment industry sang his song and praised his music, but also because his mother was a devoted fan of Dr. Polo. El Taiger dedicated the clip of Dr. Polo singing one of his hits to his mother, Magda Zaldívar, who passed away in September 2020 at the age of 53.