The legacy of the late Cuban singer José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, better known by his stage name El Taiger, is at the heart of a legal battle in Miami, as reported by Telemundo 51. The controversy erupted following a live broadcast on the deceased artist's official Instagram account, where musicians who collaborated with him shared and discussed an unreleased song. This incident has sparked debates over the rights and management of the singer's musical estate.
Eliani Rodríguez Pérez, the mother of one of El Taiger's daughters living in Cuba, asserted that she never authorized the use of the artist's Instagram account or the release of any unreleased material. Her attorney, Yuni Barreto of the law firm Luis E. Barreto & Associates, P.A., highlighted, "We do not agree with the commercialization or exposure of José Manuel's work without a court order."
Eliani and her daughter, Ana Paloma, reside in Cuba, necessitating the appointment of a legal guardian to represent the minor's interests in the litigation. Attorney Barreto emphasized that El Taiger's four children are equal heirs to the artist's estate, with each entitled to 25%.
Legal and Artistic Perspectives Clash
Conversely, Marcel Reinosa, El Taiger's former manager, defended the decision to share the unreleased song, arguing that the musicians involved are co-authors and producers of the work. Reinosa stated that his aim is to protect the artist's legacy and benefit his heirs. "The band already said: 'it was something beautiful, not meant to harm anyone,'" he declared.
Currently, there is no individual with the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of El Taiger's estate. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the estate's legal representative has expressed that their sole interest is "to ensure that all of José Manuel Carvajal's heirs, wherever they may be, have equal rights in this process, and their work will be conducted in the courts."
Impact and Unreleased Music
El Taiger rose to fame with hits like "La Historia" and "Marca Mandarina," collaborating with notable artists such as J Balvin and Cosculluela. His music resonated both in Cuba and among its diaspora, establishing him as an icon of the "cubatón" genre. On October 3, 2024, El Taiger was found with a gunshot wound to the head in Miami. After a week in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital, he passed away on October 10, 2024. The circumstances surrounding his death shocked both the Cuban community and the music industry.
Following his passing, his team has assured that there is enough unreleased material to keep his musical presence alive for several years. Marcel Reinosa stated, "We have four, five albums, at least, and we have music for three or four years." He also emphasized that the proceeds from his work will be entirely dedicated to his children.
El Taiger's influence extends beyond his recorded music. His impact is celebrated through tributes and homages that honor his contributions to the urban genre. For instance, in December 2024, his daughter Ana Paloma, alongside singer Yulien Oviedo, released the song "El mejor del mundo" as a heartfelt tribute to her father.
Insights Into the Legal Dispute Over El Taiger's Estate
What sparked the legal dispute over El Taiger's estate?
The legal dispute began after a live broadcast on El Taiger's Instagram account where collaborators shared an unreleased song, raising questions about the rights and management of his musical estate.
Who are the heirs to El Taiger's estate?
El Taiger's estate is inherited equally by his four children, with each child entitled to 25% of the estate.
What is the stance of El Taiger's former manager on the unreleased music?
The former manager, Marcel Reinosa, supports the release of the unreleased song, arguing that the musicians involved are co-authors and producers, intending to protect the artist's legacy and benefit his heirs.