Who Is Carlos Alman? The Real Story Behind Cardi B’s Dominican Father

Carlos Alman is a name that many people might not recognize immediately, but behind the fame of his daughter, the global superstar Cardi B, stands a man whose story is filled with dedication, sacrifice, and love. His journey from the Dominican Republic to the streets of New York City represents the story of countless immigrants who leave their homeland in search of a better future for their families.
Even though he never sought fame or attention, Carlos’s quiet strength and work ethic shaped the foundation of his family’s success. His life is a reminder that behind every celebrity’s success lies the unwavering effort of someone who worked silently to make it possible.
Quick Bio
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carlos Almanzar |
| Known As | Carlos Alman |
| Date of Birth | March 19, 1958 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 67 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Ethnicity | Dominican |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Occupation | Former Taxi Driver |
| Famous For | Being Cardi B’s Father |
| Residence | New York City, USA |
| Mother | Esperanza Almanzar |
| Father | Information Not Public |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Wife | Clara Mercedes Almanzar |
| Children | 8 (Including Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina) |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 65 kilograms (143 pounds) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | Not Publicly Known |
| Languages | Spanish, English |
| Current Status | Retired and Living in New York City |
Who Is Carlos Alman?
Early Life and Background
Carlos Alman was born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean nation known for its rich culture, colorful traditions, and strong sense of community. Growing up, Carlos learned the importance of family unity, hard work, and respect—values that remained central throughout his life. His mother, Esperanza Almanzar, was a major influence on him and instilled in him the importance of staying connected to his roots.
While not much is publicly known about his childhood, it is believed that his early years were filled with the warmth of close family ties and the resilience that defines Dominican households. These values played an important role in shaping Carlos’s personality and the way he approached life as an adult.
Moving to the United States
In the early 1990s, Carlos made a life-changing decision to leave his homeland and move to the United States. Like many immigrants, he dreamed of better opportunities and a stable future for his family. He settled in the Bronx, New York, a neighborhood well known for its diversity and large Dominican population. Adapting to a new life in America was not easy for him. He had to face challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and financial struggles. Yet, Carlos faced every difficulty with quiet determination. His bravery and willingness to start over from scratch reflected the true immigrant spirit—a mix of courage, sacrifice, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Life as a Taxi Driver
After moving to New York City, Carlos found work as a taxi driver, a job that required long hours, patience, and a deep understanding of the busy streets of the city. For almost a decade, he drove through the crowded avenues of Manhattan and the Bronx, earning a modest but honest living. The job was physically demanding and often stressful, yet Carlos carried it out with pride and a sense of purpose.
He knew that his hard work behind the wheel was what kept his family secure and provided his children with the chance to dream big. This experience taught him valuable lessons about discipline, perseverance, and humility—values he would later pass on to his children.
Family Life and Marriage
In 1991, Carlos married Clara Mercedes Almanzar, a woman of Trinidadian and Spanish descent. Their union brought together two rich cultures—Dominican and Trinidadian—which made their household lively and diverse. Together, they raised two daughters, Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar (known to the world as Cardi B) and Hennessy Carolina. Their home in the Bronx was full of energy, laughter, and love, even though life wasn’t always easy. Both parents worked hard to provide a stable and nurturing environment for their children. They made sure their daughters understood the importance of hard work, family respect, and pride in their heritage.
Raising Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina

Separation and Continued Support
Although Carlos and Clara divorced in 2005, their commitment to their daughters remained strong. They continued to co-parent with mutual respect and shared love for their children. Even after the separation, Carlos was a constant figure in his daughters’ lives, offering them guidance and emotional support whenever they needed it. Cardi B has spoken publicly about how both her parents played key roles in shaping her character. Despite living separate lives, Carlos and Clara remained united in ensuring their daughters had the strength and confidence to pursue their dreams.
Carlos Alman’s Other Children
Maciel Almanzar
Maciel Almanzar is one of Carlos Alman’s older daughters from a previous relationship before his marriage to Clara Almanzar. She has chosen to live a private life and stays away from media attention. Though not much is publicly known about her personal or professional life, she is said to maintain a close relationship with her family. Maciel values privacy and prefers a simple lifestyle, reflecting her father’s humble and grounded nature.
Nicauly Villalona
Nicauly Villalona is another daughter of Carlos Alman from his earlier relationship. Like her siblings, she has kept her life away from the public spotlight and social media. Nicauly is known to respect her family’s privacy and continues to live a quiet and modest life. She shares her father’s Dominican heritage and the family values of love, unity, and hard work that Carlos has always emphasized.
Fernando Almanzar
Fernando Almanzar is one of Carlos’s sons from his previous relationship. He has remained largely out of public view, choosing a private and peaceful lifestyle. While not much is known about his career or personal life, Fernando is believed to share a strong bond with his father and siblings. His private way of living shows the same appreciation for simplicity and family values that define the Alman family.
Other Children
In addition to Maciel, Nicauly, and Fernando, Carlos Alman has three other children whose names and details have not been publicly shared. They, too, have chosen to live quiet and private lives away from the media. Carlos has always respected their wish for privacy while maintaining close relationships with all of his children. Despite their different paths, his love and guidance remain a uniting force in the family, showing his deep commitment as a father.
Bond with Cardi B
One of the most touching parts of Carlos’s story is his close bond with his daughter, Cardi B. Even after achieving global fame, Cardi B has always spoken with deep love and gratitude for her father. She often credits him with teaching her how to stay grounded and appreciate where she came from. She remembers his sacrifices vividly and often shares how his strong work ethic motivated her to succeed.
Cardi B is also very protective of her father’s privacy. She has publicly asked media outlets not to involve him in interviews or public appearances, explaining that he lives a simple life without security and prefers to stay away from attention. This shows the deep respect she has for him and the private bond they share as a family.
Cultural Influence and Identity
Carlos’s Dominican roots played a big role in shaping his children’s identity. He made sure that Dominican culture, food, and traditions were part of their daily lives. This influence is especially visible in Cardi B’s music and personality. She often celebrates her Afro-Latina background and incorporates elements of Spanish and Dominican culture into her songs and interviews. Carlos’s pride in his heritage has helped his children embrace who they are, blending their Caribbean backgrounds with their American upbringing. This cultural mix is one of the reasons Cardi B stands out in the music industry today.
Life After Retirement
After many years of working as a taxi driver, Carlos eventually retired and chose to live a quiet, peaceful life in New York City. Now in his late sixties, he spends his time focusing on his personal well-being and enjoying the company of his family. Unlike many parents of celebrities, Carlos has always avoided the spotlight. He has no desire to appear on television or social media and values his privacy above all else. This choice reflects his humble nature and shows that he finds happiness in simplicity rather than fame. His modest lifestyle continues to inspire respect from people who admire his grounded personality.
Challenges and Struggles
Like many immigrant families, Carlos and his loved ones faced their share of hardships. Working long hours as a taxi driver meant missing out on family time, and financial challenges were a constant reality. There were also personal struggles that tested his strength, including reports of addiction that he worked hard to overcome. But through it all, Carlos never lost his sense of purpose or his love for his family. These experiences made him even stronger and more compassionate. His children grew up seeing his resilience, which taught them the importance of pushing through difficult times and never giving up.
Impact on Cardi B’s Success
Carlos’s impact on Cardi B’s life and success cannot be overstated. He showed her that hard work and sacrifice are the keys to achieving one’s dreams. Cardi often talks about how her parents’ struggles motivated her to make a better life for her family. She learned from her father’s example that nothing in life comes easy and that determination can change everything. The lessons Carlos taught through his actions helped shape Cardi B into the hardworking, outspoken, and confident woman she is today. His quiet strength became the foundation of her loud success.
Carlos Alman’s Legacy
Carlos Alman’s legacy is not built on fame or wealth but on values—family, perseverance, and cultural pride. He represents the countless parents who work tirelessly behind the scenes so their children can have opportunities they never had. His journey from the Dominican Republic to New York City is more than just a story about one man—it’s a reflection of the immigrant dream, filled with struggle, sacrifice, and hope. Through his children, especially Cardi B, Carlos’s story continues to inspire others around the world.
Carlos Alman’s Net Worth
Carlos Alman’s exact net worth is not publicly known, as he has always lived a very private and modest life. He spent many years working as a taxi driver in New York City, a job that provided a stable income to support his large family. Unlike his daughter Cardi B, who has achieved great fame and wealth, Carlos has never sought luxury or attention. He prefers a simple and peaceful lifestyle focused on family and personal comfort. Although his financial details are not available, it is known that he lives comfortably, with the love and support of his children, especially Cardi B, who often helps ensure her parents live well after their years of hard work and sacrifice.
Conclusion
Carlos Alman’s life is a powerful reminder that true success often begins with the sacrifices of those who came before us. His story shows how love, hard work, and cultural pride can create a legacy that lasts generations. From his humble beginnings in the Dominican Republic to raising one of the world’s most famous artists, Carlos’s journey is one of resilience and devotion. While he may never seek recognition, his influence is seen every time his daughter proudly represents her roots and her family. Carlos Alman may not be a celebrity, but in every sense, he is a hero—a father whose strength and love continue to shine quietly behind the spotlight.