After a week in critical condition, Cuban singer El Taiger confirmed dead in Miami
A relative of popular Cuban reggaeton singer José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, better known in the music world as El Taiger, confirmed his death on Thursday at the age of 37 in Miami.
Taiger was in critical condition after being shot in the head on Oct. 4 and the news shocked the Cuban community both on and off the island.
Friends and fans joined in prayers and sent wishes for a speedy recovery, while many gathered outside Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, awaiting news of the artist’s progress.
Confirmation of death
El Taiger’s death was confirmed on social media by his cousin Jorge “Junior” Hernández Carvajal, also a popular reggaeton singer.
El Taiger had suffered severe brain damage and though his chances of survival were minimal many had hoped that he would be able to pull through. But he spent the last week without significant improvements in the intensive care unit of Jackson Memorial Hospital.
The artist’s representatives issued a statement on social media asking that the musician be remembered for the “joy he brought to so many,” also thanking the massive displays of support and the efforts of the medical team.
“Turn up the volume of your music, dance and celebrate his life. Taiger was the voice of the people, and now we must keep that feeling alive through his music and his legacy,” says the post shared by Cuban journalist Wilfredo Cancio Isla, former reporter for el Nuevo Herald.
The incident that led to El Taiger’s death remains under police investigation in Miami.
A star on the rise
The news of El Taiger’s shooting quickly caused consternation among his fans and fellow urban artists in Miami.
Last week, police responded to a call and found the reggaeton singer with a gunshot wound to the head inside a black Mercedes SUV on Northwest 17th Street and Tenth Avenue.
Before living in Miami, El Taiger had gained popularity on the island for several musical hits while being a member of groups such as Los 4 and Los Desiguales. During his time singing in Los 4, he was known as “El Príncipe.”
Since then, his career was on the rise and he was considered one of the most important urban artists in Cuba. One of his popular hits “Marca Mandarina,” featuring Bebeshito, got more than 17 million views on YouTube in only two months.
He was also featured on the song “Coronamos Remix 2” in 2017, alongside international stars like Bryant Myers, J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Cosculluela.
This story was originally published October 10, 2024 at 3:48 PM with the headline "After a week in critical condition, Cuban singer El Taiger confirmed dead in Miami."
