When people think of global music icons like Cardi B, their attention usually centers on the artist’s glamorous lifestyle, achievements, and controversies. However, behind every star lies a family story that shapes who they become. One of the most influential figures in Cardi B’s life is her father, Carlos Alman—a man whose humility, hard work, and cultural roots helped anchor his daughters long before fame found them. This article takes a detailed look at who Carlos Alman is, his ethnicity, family, early life, and the role he has played in shaping one of today’s most successful entertainers.
Early Life and Background of Carlos Alman
Carlos Alman—legally known as Carlos Almanzar—was born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic. Growing up in the Caribbean, he was deeply immersed in the values of family unity, resilience, and cultural pride, elements that would remain central throughout his life.
In his youth, Carlos witnessed the economic challenges many Dominican families faced. These experiences instilled in him a deep commitment to hard work. Like many others from his homeland, he eventually sought opportunities beyond the Dominican Republic, choosing to migrate to the United States. Around 1990, Carlos settled in the Bronx, New York, where he built a new life, raised a family, and established himself as a reliable provider.
Carlos Alman’s Age and Birthday
Carlos Alman’s birthday is March 19, 1958. This makes him 67 years old in 2025. Despite his advancing years, he remains an important figure for his family, and his life story continues to spark curiosity among fans of his famous daughter.
Unlike many celebrity parents who actively seek the spotlight, Carlos has always lived a private life, quietly celebrating milestones while supporting his children’s endeavors from behind the scenes.
Nationality, Ethnicity, and Cultural Identity
One of the defining aspects of Carlos Alman’s identity is his Dominican heritage. He is of mixed ethnicity, often described as Afro-Latino, reflecting the blend of African and Hispanic roots typical in the Dominican Republic.
When Carlos migrated to the United States, he brought with him the warmth, traditions, and resilience of his Caribbean upbringing. His cultural background became a cornerstone in the household he later built in the Bronx, shaping the way his children—including Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina—viewed their identity.
Even today, both daughters openly acknowledge their father’s influence on their sense of pride in their Dominican roots, with Cardi B frequently celebrating her Latina-Caribbean heritage in her music, interviews, and public persona.
Carlos Alman’s Family Life
Family has always been central to Carlos Alman’s story.
Marriage to Clara Mercedes Almánzar
After migrating to New York, Carlos married Clara Mercedes Almánzar, a Trinidadian-born woman with Spanish and Afro-Caribbean ancestry. The couple wed in 1991 and shared a marriage that lasted until their divorce in 2005.
Despite their separation, Carlos and Clara maintained a cooperative relationship, working together to raise their children.
Children
Carlos Alman is the father of eight children in total, though the most publicly recognized are:
- Cardi B (born October 11, 1992 as Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar): Grammy-winning rapper, songwriter, and actress.
- Hennessy Carolina (born December 22, 1995): Fashion influencer, social media personality, and designer.
From a previous marriage in the Dominican Republic, Carlos also has six other children, including:
- Nicauly Villalona (daughter)
- Maciel Almanzar (daughter)
- Fernando Almanzar (son)
- Plus three other children whose names remain less public.
This extended family network reflects Carlos’s role as a father to many, and though he largely avoids the public eye, his children acknowledge the sacrifices he made to provide for them.
Influence on His Children
Carlos worked as a taxi driver in New York City for many years, dedicating his life to ensuring financial stability for his family. His work ethic and perseverance left a lasting impression on Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina, who often credit their father’s immigrant story as a source of strength and motivation.
The Question of “Carlos Alman Brother”
When researching Carlos Alman, many wonder about his siblings, often searching phrases like “Carlos Alman brother.” However, unlike his children, very little public information exists about Carlos’s brothers or sisters. While we know that his mother’s name was Esperanza Almánzar, the identities of his father and any siblings have not been publicly disclosed.
This absence of detail aligns with Carlos’s overall approach to privacy. Unlike celebrity families who frequently share personal stories in the media, the Almanzar family has kept certain ties away from the spotlight.
Carlos Alman and His Connection to Cardi B
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Carlos Alman’s public identity is his role as the father of Cardi B. Despite his low profile, fans often want to know about the man who raised such a bold, outspoken, and talented daughter.
Cardi B herself has spoken about her upbringing, often describing it as a mix of financial struggle and cultural richness. While her mother Clara was more openly present in interviews, Carlos’s behind-the-scenes role cannot be underestimated.
He provided structure, discipline, and cultural grounding—traits that Cardi B has acknowledged, even as she pursued her rebellious and eventually groundbreaking career path.
Why Carlos Alman Stays Out of the Spotlight
Unlike many celebrity parents who capitalize on their child’s fame, Carlos has remained firmly private. He avoids the media and does not appear in red carpet events, interviews, or online drama.
This choice reflects his nature: a man rooted in humility and tradition. While his children’s fame thrust his family name into the headlines, Carlos has never attempted to step into that world himself. His low-profile lifestyle is a testament to the values he has always carried with him—family first, fame second.
Legacy of Carlos Alman
Carlos Alman may not be a celebrity in his own right, but his legacy lives on through his children. By instilling values of resilience, cultural pride, and perseverance, he indirectly contributed to Cardi B’s rise as a global phenomenon.
Through Cardi B, the world has glimpsed a part of Carlos’s influence. Her unapologetic pride in her Dominican heritage, her drive to succeed against the odds, and her ability to remain grounded despite global fame can all be traced back, in part, to the lessons and background provided by her father.
Final Thoughts
So, who is Carlos Alman? He is more than Cardi B’s father. He is a hardworking immigrant, a devoted father, and a man who quietly shaped the life of one of today’s most iconic entertainers.
While the details of his siblings (including the often-searched “Carlos Alman brother”) remain private, his identity as a Dominican-American father, family man, and role model remains firmly established.
Born in 1958, celebrating his birthday every March 19, and now in his late sixties, Carlos Alman embodies the immigrant story of sacrifice and perseverance. His influence continues to resonate in his children’s lives—and, by extension, in the global entertainment industry.
At Infory, we believe stories like Carlos Alman’s deserve attention because they highlight the often-overlooked figures behind the world’s brightest stars. His journey is not just about family, but about heritage, resilience, and the powerful ripple effects of a father’s quiet guidance.