Carlos-Manuel was born in Havana City, Cuba. Passionate about music from an early age, his first professional job was as a soloist, singing ballads, boleros, operettas and zarzuelas. He joined the Mayohaucan Band and then later became director of the Grammy Award winning band Irakere. Maturing as a musician, he started his own band Carlos Manuel y su Clan. Carlos has attained international recognition, breaking attendance records throughout the world. In 2003 he delivered his farewell to Cuba and arrived in Miami where he was welcomed with love.