The memorial service for Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, widely known as El Taiger, is scheduled to take place over the weekend of October 18-19, 2024, at the Rincón de San Lázaro Church in Hialeah, Miami. This information was confirmed by his cousin, Jorge Junior, the leader of the group Los 4, in a social media video where he also invited fans to pay their respects at the ceremony. He urged patience from the followers, promising additional details about the event's timing soon.
The family is currently collaborating with authorities to repatriate El Taiger's remains to Cuba for burial beside his mother. This decision reflects the wishes of both his family and close friends, who want the artist to rest in his home country.
The Venue: Rincón de San Lázaro Church
The service will be held at the Rincón de San Lázaro Church, located at 1190 E 4th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33010, USA. Renowned for its welcoming community and beautiful ceremonies, the church has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 1,120 reviews. The church operates from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For further information or specific details about the event, you can contact the church at +1 305-887-0944.
Tragic Passing of El Taiger
El Taiger passed away on October 10, 2024, after spending a week in critical condition at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital. He had sustained a gunshot wound to the head on October 3, which ultimately led to his tragic demise. His sudden death has deeply affected fans and the artistic community both in Cuba and Miami, where he was beloved for his music and charismatic personality.
The news was officially confirmed by his family via a social media statement, prompting fans to gather outside the hospital to pay tribute with flowers, candles, and heartfelt messages. Figures from the entertainment industry have also expressed their sorrow over losing one of Cuban reggaeton's most significant figures.
Community and Artistic Tributes
Numerous artists and celebrities have shared their grief over El Taiger's death. Cuban actor Alejandro Cuervo was among the first to respond, posting an emotional video recalling his interactions with the reggaeton star. He emphasized El Taiger's musical legacy, predicting his influence on the Cuban urban genre will endure for years.
Musician Lenier Mesa paid homage to his late friend by tattooing the initials LBMA (La Bestia, la Machinee, el Animal) on his neck. Alexander Delgado, leader of the group Gente de Zona, also expressed his sadness, honoring El Taiger as a "warrior" who fought valiantly.
A Heartfelt Farewell from Fans
Since the announcement of his death, hundreds of fans have gathered outside Jackson Memorial Hospital to mourn their loss. Tributes have poured in, with many leaving flowers, stuffed animals, and candles at a makeshift shrine. The outpouring of love continues, and many more are expected to attend his funeral to bid a final farewell to El Taiger, whose impact on Cuban urban music has been profound.
The family of El Taiger has called for justice to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death, which remains under investigation by Miami authorities.