Abel Prieto Jiménez, the former Cuban Minister of Culture and current president of Casa de Las Américas, has expressed his sorrow over the death of reggaeton artist El Taiger. The musician had been fighting for his life in a Miami hospital after being shot in the head on Thursday, October 3rd. Prieto Jiménez shared a brief message on the social media platform X, stating, "Rest in peace. My condolences to family, friends, and followers," along with a link to a note from the Cuban Institute of Music (ICM).
Alpidio Alonso Grau, Cuba's Minister of Culture, also joined the wave of condolences following the death of the popular urban genre artist. "Our condolences go out to the family, friends, and admirers, both in and outside of Cuba, of the young Cuban musician José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, El Taiger, who passed away today in Miami, United States. May he rest in peace," Alonso Grau's statement read.
Government Displays Unusual Solidarity
In a rare move, Cuban officials extended their support during the week as El Taiger remained in critical condition at Miami's Jackson Memorial after being shot. He passed away at 12:40 p.m. on Thursday, as confirmed by official sources. From Lis Cuesta, the wife of leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, to the ultra-official Cubadebate, various institutions and government figures commented on El Taiger's situation in Miami, attempting to show solidarity with the public who had been praying for the reggaeton artist's recovery.
Acknowledgment of a Cultural Icon
The ICM sent their "heartfelt condolences" to the singer's family, friends, and fans, highlighting that they were bidding farewell to one of the most recognized figures in the urban genre, who never renounced his Cuban identity and consistently expressed love for his country. The Union of Young Communists (UJC) shared a simple message: "Rest in peace, Cuban."
José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, known by his stage name El Taiger, was officially declared deceased this Thursday. An official statement on his Instagram page read, "He has now been reunited with his beloved mother in heaven."
"El Taiger was the voice of the people, and we must keep that voice alive through his music and legacy," the statement emphasized. His songs, which became anthems for a generation, and his unique style, established him as a major figure in the reggaeton and reparto music scene in Cuba.