FANS are mourning the loss of Cuban rapper El Taiger, who has passed away aged 37.
The music star’s death came a week after he was shot in mysterious circumstances.
Born in Havana, Cuba, September 6, 1987 El Taiger – whose real name is José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar – was a Reggaeton rapper and songwriter.
It’s reported that he grew up in a musical family, and started writing songs when he was just 13-years-old.
El released his debut single Me Enamoré in 2015, and the song was a huge hit in Latin America.
He leaves behind his wife Maria and their two children.
Popular Cuban star
El was a hugely popular star in his native Cuba.
One of his biggest hits was Marca Mandarina, featuring Bebeshito, which has had more 17 million views on YouTube.
El’s other big hits include Washypupa (2023), Cupido (2023) and Me Kemaste (2019).
On Instagram, he had more than a million followers (all stats are as of October 2024).
El sadly passes away
On October 11, 1024, it was revealed that El had sadly passed away.
A statement in Spanish was uploaded to his Instagram Stories, telling fans that he had died.
The lengthy post read: “On the morning of Friday, October 4, 2024, Jose Manuel Carvajal, known as ‘El Taiger,’ was the victim of a senseless violent crime.”
It explained how the musician had been found near the hospital and “immediately transported to the Emergency Intensive Care Unit”.
The statement continued: “During this incredibly difficult time, family, friends and supporters joined together in prayer, hope and support, seeking a miracle. ‘To all who offered their prayers, we thank you.”
“El Taiger was pronounced dead and is now reunited with his beloved mother in heaven,” it said.
The family added that they were “extremely grateful” for the medical staff who worked “tirelessly to provide him with the care he needed”.
Mysterious death
Mystery surrounds the music star’s death, which came just a week after he was shot in the head in Miami.
The rapper was found in the back of a Mercedes SUV, parked near the city’s Jackson Memorial Hospital on October 3, 2024.
Miami cops believe the rapper may have been shot in a different area, as reported by Telemundo.
A police spokesman said: “We are certain it did not happen on that corner where the car was found.
“This happened somewhere else, someone drove it there, left it and left on foot.”
Police were quick to rule out that El died by suicide.
