The untimely death of Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, popularly known as El Taiger, has sent shockwaves through the music industry. This Friday, leading Spanish news outlets are headlining the tragedy, emphasizing his widespread popularity, especially with hits like "La Historia," which dominated summer playlists for several consecutive years.
El Mundo reported that the musician "succumbed to injuries from a gunshot wound to the head, passing away at the age of 37 after spending a week in critical condition at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital." The publication noted that during his hospitalization, "El Taiger inspired vigils and prayers from both Catholic and Yoruba communities, uniting Cubans at home and abroad." On social media, the hashtag #FuerzaTaiger trended, reflecting the deep affection and impact he had in his homeland.
A Musical Legacy and Cultural Influence
El Taiger began his musical journey in the early 2000s, swiftly establishing himself as a leading voice in Cuban reggaeton. Over the years, he collaborated with artists like J Balvin and Cosculluela, earning recognition for blending reggaeton beats with traditional Cuban sounds. His tracks, including "Habla Matador" and "La Historia," became anthems for a generation, representing their dreams amid the island's ongoing challenges.
In its latest edition, El País acknowledged the loss of "the most prominent figure of the reparto genre." Renowned musicians such as Chucho Valdés, J Balvin, and Enrique Iglesias expressed their condolences, and even the Cuban regime, typically silent on similar incidents involving exiled artists, made statements. Former Culture Minister Abel Prieto Jiménez and Lis Cuesta, wife of President Miguel Díaz-Canel, commented on the event that has deeply affected the community.
Divisive Reactions Among Cubans
El País also highlighted the ongoing debate among Cubans sparked by El Taiger's condition, dividing those mourning his death from critics labeling him as problematic. The discourse pits cultural snobs against defenders of the reparto genre, and South Florida extremists against those supporting his choice to perform in Cuba.
The publication suggests that the aftermath of El Taiger's death could alter the landscape of urban music and its artists, potentially even shifting the traditionally conservative outlook of the Cuban exile community. Despite many talented Cuban musicians, El Taiger was known for producing hit after hit, seamlessly blending genres from ballads to guajiras, and flaunting his style with ease and confidence, akin to his moniker, Taiger.
ABC remarked in its recent issue that "in Cuba, fans bid farewell by 'celebrating as he wished' with 'festivity and joy.'" The family urged people to "turn up his music, dance, and celebrate his life," as quoted by the outlet. With a vast following in both Cuba and the Hispanic community in South Florida, Carvajal frequently visited the island to see his grandmother and daughters and perform, despite criticism from parts of the Cuban diaspora. Nevertheless, he was vocal against the government's crackdown during and after the significant July 11, 2021, protests.