The Cuban actress and television host, Aly Sánchez, has voiced her heartbreak over the loss of urban music artist José Manuel Carbajal, famously known as El Taiger. He passed away on October 10th at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital after spending a week in critical condition due to a gunshot wound to the head.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Aly shared her sorrow, accompanied by two voice messages from the artist himself and a clip from a concert she attended, highlighting the shared experiences and the indelible mark El Taiger left. "I'm at a loss for words that could do justice to your memory. It's that profound emptiness and sorrow one feels losing a family member. Here's your own voice because we respected and loved you deeply. We'll miss the joy at LA TRANKA DE CUBA concerts, your advice, and your funny comments on my posts, calling me 'hermanaca.'" Aly's post was steeped in nostalgia and grief.
"They took you too soon, Jose, but EL TAIGER stays with us forever through your eternal music. Rest in peace, my brother. May those who wished you harm come to embrace your values," she concluded, adding a broken heart emoji and the hashtag #EPD.
Aly's Support Amidst Crisis
This message follows her earlier public support for the artist during his critical hospitalization. She had shared a touching story that showcased José Manuel's true character. "I'm loyal to my friends and stand by those who stand by me," she recalled, highlighting how El Taiger supported her during a smear campaign against him, ignoring the criticisms. Aly shared how the singer attended a charity event she organized, showing his humility by participating without seeking recognition. "He was there for us, messaging me Friday night to confirm and showing up Saturday at 8 AM ready to take pictures with everyone who asked," Aly recounted, emphasizing El Taiger's view of this as part of "God's work."
The Impact of El Taiger's Passing
The shock of El Taiger's death at just 37 years old has been widespread, affecting not only his fans but the artistic community as a whole, as reflected in Aly Sánchez's post, which has been inundated with messages of grief. "The pain is immense; let's find solace in the thought that heaven is celebrating with the arrival of a star"; "So much sadness"; "Tonight, El Taiger's music plays on," were some of the expressions of affection that flooded her post, highlighting the reggaeton artist's beloved status.
The untimely departure of El Taiger has left a void not only in Cuba and among his international fans but has also echoed across the globe. Prominent artists like J Balvin, Farruko, and 6ix9ine have mourned his passing, acknowledging his talent and legacy.
The Cuban artistic community is in mourning, and although José Manuel has left us, as Aly Sánchez poignantly put it, El Taiger's music will endure. The spirit of the "tranka" of Cuba will live on in every song, forever cherished in the hearts of his audience.