Cuban writer and improvisational poet Alexis Díaz-Pimienta has penned a heartfelt tribute to Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal, widely known as El Taiger, following his tragic passing in Miami. In his homage, Díaz-Pimienta, a staunch advocate for reggaeton within Cuban music, highlights the exceptional qualities that cemented El Taiger's status as a beloved cultural icon. He praises his talent, charisma, and his ability to transcend urban music.
"El Taiger: Popular wisdom. Talent. Youth. Stage presence. Infectious smile. Popularity. Cuba in the blood." These words open Díaz-Pimienta's tribute, equating El Taiger's impact to that of legendary Cuban musicians like Benny Moré, Polo Montañez, and Juan Formell. The poet emphasizes that, much like these musical giants, El Taiger captured the hearts of the Cuban people, becoming a cultural beacon for the island.
A Cultural Phenomenon
Díaz-Pimienta highlights El Taiger's mastery of lyrical metrics and literary devices, particularly in songs like "Habla, matador," which quickly resonated with Cuban youth. The phrase became a popular greeting among young people, illustrating the profound influence of his music on everyday language—an achievement few artists can claim.
"‘Habla, matador.’ Saying everything without saying anything. ‘Matar jugada’ as an erotic-festive metaphor, a sly nod so subtle you smile and embrace it from a transgressive yet educated stance," Díaz-Pimienta remarks.
A Shared Mourning
He also underscores the violent nature of El Taiger's death and the collective grief it has inspired among Cubans. Drawing parallels to percussionist Chano Pozo, who also met a violent end in the United States, Díaz-Pimienta notes that El Taiger's passing has sparked genuine mourning within the music community, absent of any commercial exploitation, just a shared sorrow among millions of fans and fellow artists.
"There is no 'industry of grief'; there is grief of industrial dimensions," writes Díaz-Pimienta, referencing tributes from other Cuban artists like Cándido Fabré, Alexis Valdés, Lenier, and Chucho Valdés, who have honored the reggaeton star through their music.
The Legacy of El Taiger
The tribute concludes with a poignant reflection on the artist's essence, celebrated by Cubans both on the island and abroad. "El Taiger. The Matador. The Tranka. A young Cuban musician immortalized in an image both solid and blurred. That of a son so orphaned he sang to find more fathers. That of a father so solitary he sang to find more children. That of a Cuban so Cuban that all Cubas mourn and sing him today."