The Cuban reggaeton artist El Taiger claimed he earned over $1 million from just one song. By the time of his tragic death in October 2024, the 37-year-old musician had built an estimated net worth between $1 million and $5 million through his music career, collaborations, and live performances.
Who Was El Taiger?
José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, known to fans as El Taiger, was born in Havana, Cuba on September 6, 1987. He grew up in a musical family and started writing songs at age 13. The reggaeton performer became one of the biggest names in Cubaton—a genre that blends traditional Cuban rhythms with modern urban beats.
His stage name went through several changes. He first called himself “El Más Tigre,” then “El Tigraso,” before settling on “El Taiger.” He also created something called “Fashaton,” mixing his musical style with fashion. This unique approach helped him stand out in the crowded Latin music scene.
El Taiger Net Worth
Most reliable sources put El Taiger’s wealth at around $5 million when he died. Some estimates range lower, between $1 million and $3 million. The exact number is hard to pin down because Cuban artists often don’t have the same financial transparency as musicians from other countries.
What we know for certain is that he earned his fortune over more than a decade in the music business. His income came from album sales, streaming revenue, concerts, YouTube ads, and working with other famous artists. For a Cuban-born musician, reaching multi-million dollar status shows real success.
How El Taiger Made His Money
El Taiger’s primary income came from his music. His songs racked up millions of streams on Spotify and YouTube. His biggest hit, “La Historia,” has over 168 million plays on Spotify alone. In a 2024 interview, El Taiger himself said he made more than a million dollars just from that one track.
Live shows brought in serious cash too. He performed at major Latin music festivals and packed venues in Miami, where he had a huge following. Concert tickets, merchandise sales, and performance fees all added to his earnings. These shows weren’t just about the money—they helped him connect with fans and grow his reputation.
YouTube became another solid revenue stream. With 338,000 subscribers, his music videos generated advertising income. Some of his most popular videos got tens of millions of views, turning into real paychecks.
Working with other artists boosted both his fame and his bank account. He collaborated with major names like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Cosculluela, and Bryant Myers. These partnerships gave him access to bigger audiences beyond Cuba and increased his earning potential significantly.
The Cuban Reggaeton Artist
Being a Cubaton pioneer came with challenges and rewards. El Taiger helped bring Cuban urban music to international audiences. His sound mixed island rhythms with reggaeton beats in ways that felt fresh and authentic.
Starting in Cuba meant fewer resources than artists from Puerto Rico or Colombia had. But El Taiger turned this into an advantage by creating music that told real stories about Cuban life. His lyrics connected with people who understood the struggles and joys of growing up in Havana.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
El Taiger didn’t start alone. He first joined a group called Los 4 with his cousin Jorge Junior. Later, he moved to another band called Los Desiguales. These early groups taught him the music business and helped him build a fan base in Cuba.
In 2016, everything changed. He released his debut solo album called “Taiger” through the label Rottboyz. The album featured tracks that became instant hits, including “La Película” and “Ponte Pa’ Mi.” His career took off quickly after that.
The biggest break came when his song “La Habana” landed on the soundtrack for “Fate of the Furious” in 2017. This Hollywood connection brought him international attention and opened doors to bigger opportunities. Suddenly, people outside Latin music circles knew his name.
Biggest Hits and Popular Songs
“La Historia” stands as El Taiger’s most successful track. The song’s audio version on YouTube has over 73 million views, plus another 15 million on the official music video. Those numbers translate directly into streaming royalties and advertising revenue.
“Marca Mandarina” featuring Bebeshito became another massive hit, pulling in over 17 million YouTube views. Songs like “El Punto,” “Coronamos,” and “El Papelito” also performed well on streaming platforms. Each successful release added to his growing wealth.
His last album, “10 Éxitos Duros,” came out in July 2024, just months before his death. The timing makes these recordings even more valuable now as part of his musical legacy.
Personal Life and Family
El Taiger was a father to four children. He regularly visited his daughters back in Cuba and often shared moments with his family on social media. His Catholic faith ran deep—he even had an image of the Virgin Mary tattooed on his head.
In September 2020, El Taiger lost his mother at age 53. Friends said this tragedy deeply affected him emotionally. He stayed close to his grandmother throughout his life, making trips back to Cuba whenever he could.
Reports about his marital status are unclear. Some sources mention a wife named Maria or Meydi, but the exact details remain fuzzy. What’s certain is that his children were the center of his world.
Legal Troubles That Affected His Finances
Money problems started piling up in his final years. In November 2023, police arrested El Taiger after an incident at a Macy’s store over allegations of shoplifting a Miami Heat jersey. In June 2024, he got arrested for driving with a suspended license.
A month later came more serious charges—robbery, assault, and cocaine possession. These legal issues likely cost him money in attorney fees and lost opportunities. Some venues and sponsors probably backed away because of the arrests.
The Tragic Death of El Taiger
On October 3, 2024, someone shot El Taiger in the head during a drug deal that turned violent. He was found bleeding in the trunk of a Mercedes SUV near Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Police believe the shooter drove him there after the incident in Hialeah.
El Taiger had no health insurance, which made his medical care complicated. Doctors worked around the clock to save him. Fans gathered outside the hospital, playing his music and praying for a miracle. Despite everyone’s efforts, he died on October 10, 2024, at age 37.
Police arrested Damián Valdez-Galloso in connection with the murder. Videos from the investigation showed what happened and revealed that the two men knew each other before the shooting.
Estate and Financial Legacy
After his death, a Miami-Dade judge put El Taiger’s four children in control of his estate. Two representatives—attorney Yuneymis Barreto and Katherine Riveron Garcia (mother of his youngest daughter)—now manage El Taiger Music Corp until the children become adults.
They’re collecting royalties, handling licensing deals, and planning to release unreleased songs and music videos. All profits go into a restricted account for his kids. This setup protects his musical catalog and ensures his children benefit from his life’s work.
His music continues earning money through streams, downloads, and licensing. The estate representatives file quarterly reports with the court showing all income and expenses. This transparency helps preserve what he built for his family.
What El Taiger’s Story Teaches Us
El Taiger’s wealth came from talent, hard work, and smart choices about his music career. He proved that artists from Cuba can compete on the world stage and build real financial success. His estimated $5 million net worth represents years of grinding, performing, and creating music that connected with millions of fans.
His tragic end reminds us how quickly everything can change. Despite his success, he faced legal problems and made choices that put him in danger. The fact that he lacked health insurance shows that even successful artists sometimes struggle with basic protections.
Today, his music lives on. Fans still stream his songs, and his children will benefit from the fortune he created. El Taiger’s legacy in Cuban reggaeton and Latin urban music remains secure, remembered both for his musical contributions and the cautionary tale his life became.
