This Wednesday, a gathering of Cubans took place at Havana's Colón Cemetery to honor the memory of Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal, better known as El Taiger, who tragically lost his life to murder in Miami on October 10th. The tribute, organized by the artist's fans and friends, drew a group of young people who brought flowers, lit candles, and celebrated his impact on Cuban urban music and his deep connection with the people, according to the Facebook page La Farándula Cubana.
“Forbidden to forget you, Tanke,” read a post on social media alongside a photograph of the singer's grave, which now lies beside his mother in the Havana necropolis. The homage included heartfelt words that acknowledged his career, one that left a significant mark on the cubatón scene and the broader reggaeton genre, becoming a symbol of resilience for the island's youth during tough times.
His supporters carried banners urging that his music, his story, and his experiences with the Cuban people never be forgotten. “Now you rest alongside your most beloved ones. Rest in peace all, eternal glory. Taiger forever,” they expressed collectively, sharing a photo of the cemetery ceremony.
The emotional tribute comes on the heels of recent developments in the investigation of his murder, which has deeply affected both the Cuban exile community and the artist's fans on the island. Just the day before, Miami Police Chief Manuel A. Morales announced that authorities have gathered substantial evidence to prosecute Damián Valdez-Galloso, the alleged murderer of El Taiger. According to the investigation, the reggaeton star was fatally shot at point-blank range during a confrontation with his assailant.
The crime took place at dawn on October 3rd in a rented home in Hialeah, with El Taiger's body discovered hours later, abandoned near Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.