Cuban musician Jose Manuel Carbajal Zaldivar, known as “El Taiger,” died in a Miami hospital Thursday, a week after being shot in the head, his family said.
The popular singer, who mixed reggaeton with traditional Cuban music, was known for songs like “La Historia”, “Papelito” and “Habla Matador”.
“We say goodbye to one of the most recognized figures of the urban genre, who did not renounce his condition as a Cuban and always expressed his love for his country,” the Cuban Music Institute said in a statement. posted on Facebook.
Mr. Carbajal Zaldivar had been hospitalized in Miami since October 3, after local authorities found him unconscious in his car. An investigation has been opened.
In a statement published on social networks, the artist’s family thanks the medical staff and those who prayed and paid tribute to El Taiger during his hospitalization.
“Turn up your music, dance and celebrate his life,” the family added.
The legendary Cuban group Los Van Van reacted in a message published on Instagram: “We are deeply saddened by your death but we are proud to have known you and to have shared the stage (with you) on more than one occasion “.
“Rest in peace, tireless warrior,” the group added.
On Thursday evening in eastern Havana, dozens of people gathered in a park in the Guanabacoa neighborhood to bid farewell to El Taiger.
In front of an old church, they placed photos of the musician and lit candles, while singing his songs and turning on the lights on their cell phones as a tribute.
“We are sad, very sad, but we are celebrating as he would have wanted. He said he wanted parties, joy,” Yuli Mauro, a 30-year-old independent, told AFP. dancing next to her son.
“We have already lit his candle so that he can reach the sky with the light,” she added.
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