The Cuban Music Institute announced on Friday morning that the ashes of El Taiger will be honored in a private ceremony "at the family's request," contradicting earlier statements made by Jorge Junior, who had invited fans of his cousin to pay their final respects. The official statement from the Cuban cultural institution, shared on their Facebook page, reads: “This afternoon, the ashes of Cuban musician José Manuel Carbajal Zaldivar, known as El Taiger, a renowned figure in the urban music scene, will arrive in Cuba. He passed away on October 10 in Miami, Florida, USA.”
"Following the family's wishes, his ashes will be privately mourned at the Juan Formel Hall of the El Sauce Cultural Center in Havana, and will later be laid to rest at the Colón Cemetery. Cuban cultural institutions, which have supported José Manuel's family and friends during his difficult hospitalization and untimely death, ask fans to respect the family's decision for a private farewell," the statement continues.
Previously, Jorge Junior had announced on Instagram that fans of the artist in Cuba could visit El Sauce between 5 and 6 p.m. to say their goodbyes without any issues. This announcement from the Cuban Music Institute is likely to disappoint many of El Taiger’s followers, who had hoped to pay tribute to the Cuban reggaeton star, similar to the tributes in Miami.