Cuban singer Oniel Bebeshito shared an emotionally charged moment during the third episode of Cafecito Con, Billboard Latin's interview series, released this Monday. He recalled his friend and fellow artist El Taiger and unveiled the moment he learned about the shooting incident involving him.
Bebeshito recounted his arrival in Miami on October 1, 2024, when El Taiger reached out to give him space to reunite with his family, knowing that Bebeshito had not seen his wife, daughter, and loved ones in a while.
"When I got to Miami, he messaged me saying, 'My brother, I'll give you your time to be with your family because I know you haven't seen your girl, your wife, or your family in a long time,'" the artist recalled, visibly moved.
Just two days after receiving that message, on October 3, Bebeshito was informed of El Taiger being shot.
"I found out before the news spread. I immediately wrote to him, saying, 'Brother, answer me, tell me it's not true,'" he confessed, describing the shock of learning about his friend's situation.
El Taiger, whose real name was José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head inside a vehicle in Hialeah, Miami, early that morning. He was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he remained in critical condition for a week until he passed away on October 10, 2024, at the age of 37.
Bebeshito described the loss as more than personal, saying, "Yes, it was a shock. Yes, a shock to Cuban culture too."
The strong bond between the two artists was evident in their collaborations. They recorded tracks like Marca Mandarina and El Punto, and when the latter made it to the Billboard charts in October 2024, Bebeshito dedicated it to his late friend. While El Taiger was still hospitalized, Bebeshito offered the proceeds from their shared songs to support him financially.
In December 2024, Bebeshito paid tribute in Miami, asking for a moment of silence to honor his friend's memory.
The main suspect in the crime, Damián Valdez-Galloso, known as El Narra, was apprehended in New York. Miami-Dade prosecutors filed formal charges against him in November 2024, and he appeared in a Miami-Dade court in July 2026 to reject a plea deal, leaving the case ongoing.
As of 2026, Bebeshito continues to advance his career. Billboard named him one of the 26 Latin artists to watch this year, and this month he featured alongside Wow Popy at the first official Cuban panel during Billboard Latin Music Week 2026.
Key Questions about the Tragic Incident and Bebeshito's Career
What was Bebeshito's initial reaction upon learning about El Taiger's shooting?
Bebeshito expressed disbelief and immediately reached out to El Taiger, hoping it wasn't true, as he found out before the news became widespread.
Who is the main suspect in El Taiger's case?
The main suspect is Damián Valdez-Galloso, also known as El Narra, who was arrested in New York and faces formal charges in Miami-Dade.
How has Bebeshito honored El Taiger's memory?
Bebeshito dedicated their charting song, El Punto, to El Taiger and offered financial support from the song's earnings. He also held a tribute in Miami with a moment of silence.