The Cuban duo Gente de Zona expressed profound sorrow over the passing of reggaeton artist José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, known as El Taiger. He succumbed to his injuries at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital after being in critical condition for a week due to a gunshot wound to the head.
In a heartfelt message on their Instagram account, Alexander Delgado and Randy Malcom shared their grief over the loss of the singer. "When an artist who provided the soundtrack to many lives departs, the resulting sadness is something only a few can truly understand," they reflected.
A Partnership of Two Decades
Gente de Zona posted several photos of performances with El Taiger, highlighting their close relationship that spanned over twenty years. "This wasn't the way to go, leaving us so soon," the duo lamented.
"You've taken with you music yet to be heard, rhymes unwritten, a world of dreams and possibilities. You've taken a future of what could have been, and our desire to keep listening to your music," their message continued.
Legacy of a Fighter
The duo also expressed confidence that El Taiger's music will endure. "The genre will miss you, José, but even though you fought until the end, your musical legacy will live on," they assured. "All our prayers are with your family, friends, and colleagues," concluded their tribute.
El Taiger, aged 36, was pronounced dead earlier today. "He has now joined his beloved mother in heaven," stated an official announcement on his Instagram page.
Alexander and Randy had previously shared their deep sorrow on social media following the official confirmation of El Taiger's death. "In shock and heartbroken from the moment we heard the news last Thursday until today," Alexander wrote on Instagram, alongside a smiling photo of the two.
"Everyone deserves a second chance, and this wasn't how a warrior like you should go. But as your lyrics said, you were 'A Fighter' and you fought till the end. We are not God to judge anyone. I cherish the memory of the José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar I met 20 years ago," he added.
Meanwhile, Randy expressed his disbelief: "I still can't believe it… José, your music will keep playing on every corner."
Gente de Zona joins numerous other artists in sharing heartfelt messages of condolence, mourning the loss of a talented and beloved figure in the music world.