With heartfelt words, singer Vanessa Formell has joined the wave of solidarity and appeals for the well-being of Cuban reggaeton artist El Taiger, who remains in critical condition at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital after being shot in the head last Thursday.
On her Instagram profile, the female voice of the renowned Cuban orchestra Los Van Van shared an emotional message dedicated to José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, El Taiger's real name, accompanied by a photo taken together in Miami in 2022.
"I've been speechless for two days. Miami is experiencing a lot of violence, and for those who say his behavior led to this, I must assert that no human being, famous or not, deserves this under any circumstances," Vanessa stated emphatically at the beginning of her post.
The Cuban artist, daughter of the late musician Juan Formell and singer Mirtha Medina, confessed that, for her, in the urban genre, El Taiger is "one of the most talented of the last 15 years since @los4.oficial," lamenting, "Seeing him in this battle breaks my heart."
Support and Prayers for El Taiger
"I’m not seeking attention, as I'm among those who post the least on social media, but I do ask for prayers for this young man who has so much to offer and whom life has placed in this predicament," she urged her followers.
"I know you will survive and move forward for your family and all those who love you," she affirmed, addressing the artist who is currently fighting for his life in a Florida hospital.
Vanessa recalled that on the day they took the photo together at a Van Van concert in Miami, the reggaeton star told her, "Your father made me a VANVANERO," to which she added in her message, "Now I want you to become an even stronger warrior than you already are and gift us more music and laughter. GOD IS IN CONTROL."
Community and Artist Support
In addition, a post from Los Van Van on Instagram expressed their support for the artist: "Vanvaneros, let's pray for Tiger's swift recovery. May Orula and all the saints protect him and allow him to continue sharing his music with us in good health, alongside his family and all his fans."
Reactions and expressions of solidarity for El Taiger have been ongoing since Thursday, from both artists and the Cuban public, deeply concerned about his critical health condition and eager for his recovery.
On Saturday night, a member of the singer's team, who spent the day with him at Jackson Memorial Hospital, informed followers gathered around the medical center that he remains "stable," although still in a critical state.
Meanwhile, in Cuba, the artist's fans held vigils for his recovery across several provinces on Friday and Saturday. In Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Cárdenas, and Havana, Cubans gathered to pray for the singer's health.