While the world knows the Saldaña name through the Hollywood blockbusters of Zoe Saldaña, her brother, Nipo Saldana (born Carlos Dagoberto Galán Pepén), has carved a distinct path in the Latin entertainment industry.
Often overshadowed by international fame, Nipo is a respected figure in the Dominican Republic’s urban scene.
Operating under the moniker “Nipo 809,” he has established himself not just as a sibling to a star, but as a producer, actor, and cultural advocate.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Carlos Dagoberto Galán Pepén |
| Stage Name | Nipo / Nipo 809 |
| Date of Birth | August 9, 1981 |
| Age | 44 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Actor, Music Producer, Artist |
| Known For | Voces de la Calle, Dos policías en apuros |
| Sibling | Zoe Saldaña (Sister) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Private |
| Education | Studied in Queens and Dominican Republic |
| Horoscope | Leo |
Early Life and Family Roots
Nipo was born on August 9, 1981, in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic. His upbringing was a blend of two worlds: the bustling streets of New York City and the vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic.
This bicultural existence is a defining trait of the Saldaña-Galán family. Nipo grew up navigating the distinct energies of Queens, New York, and his Caribbean homeland.
This duality allowed him to develop a versatility that would later define his music and acting career, bridging American urban influences with Dominican “tiguere” culture.
Unlike many who leave the island for Hollywood, Nipo maintained a strong physical and artistic presence in the Dominican Republic.
His early life was immersed in the local arts scene, where he began cultivating the persona that would eventually become “Nipo 809,” a nod to the country’s area code.
Family Background: Addressing the “Parents Divorce”
There is often confusion regarding the marital history of the Saldaña parents, with many wondering about a divorce.
It is important to clarify the family timeline to understand Nipo and Zoe’s background accurately.
The family structure was shaped not by divorce, but by tragedy. Aridio Saldaña (Zoe’s father) and Asalia Nazario were married until Aridio’s untimely death in a car accident in 1987.
There was no divorce between them; rather, his passing left Asalia a widow with young daughters.
Following this tragedy, Asalia moved the family from New York back to the Dominican Republic to be closer to family support.
She eventually remarried Dagoberto Galán. Nipo bears the name “Galán,” linking him to this second chapter of the family’s history.
This blended family unit is known for its incredible tightness, referring to their stepfather Dagoberto simply as “Dad” and maintaining a fierce loyalty to one another.
Career Highlights: Music and “Nipo 809”
Nipo’s primary claim to fame in the Dominican Republic is his contribution to the urban music scene.
Adopting the stage name “Nipo 809,” he became a pioneer in producing and performing tracks that resonate with the local youth.
His music often blends Dembow, Hip Hop, and tropical rhythms. As a producer, he is credited with helping shape the sound of several local artists.
He established “El Salón de la Justicia” (The Hall of Justice), a recording studio that became a hub for creative collaboration in Santo Domingo.
Through his music, Nipo tells stories of resilience and street life. Unlike the polished pop often exported internationally, Nipo’s sound is raw and authentic to the Dominican experience.
This has earned him street credibility that is distinct from his sister’s Hollywood polish.
Acting Career and Filmography
While music is his heartbeat, Nipo has also made significant strides in acting. He does not rely on cameos in American blockbusters but instead focuses on Dominican cinema.
His notable film credits include:
Dos policías en apuros (2016)
A comedy where he showcased his ability to handle lighter, humorous roles.
Voces de la Calle (2017)
A gritty drama that allowed him to tap into his urban roots and musical background.
Héroes de Junio: La Historia Prohibida (2019)
A historical drama that demonstrated his range beyond urban archetypes.
These roles highlight a commitment to the growing Dominican film industry (often referred to as “Cine Dominicano”).
By working on local productions, Nipo contributes to the country’s cultural export rather than assimilating into the American market.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Unlike the highly publicized salaries of Hollywood A-listers, Nipo Saldana’s financial status is not public record. Estimates on various websites are often speculative and unverifiable.
However, his income streams are diverse. They likely stem from:
- Music production royalties and performance fees.
- Acting salaries from Dominican film productions.
- Business ventures, including his recording studio.
Public Image and Personal Life
Nipo is known for being fiercely private regarding his intimate relationships. While he is active on social media platforms like Instagram, he uses them primarily to promote his work and celebrate his Dominican heritage.
He rarely discusses his romantic life or children in interviews, preferring to keep the spotlight on his professional endeavors.
This discretion stands in contrast to the paparazzi culture of the US, allowing him to move relatively freely in Santo Domingo.
What is public is his unwavering support for his sisters. The Saldaña siblings are known to be a tight-knit clan.
Nipo frequently expresses pride in Zoe, Cisely, and Mariel, and they, in turn, champion his projects in the DR.
Final Thought
From navigating a childhood marked by family tragedy and cultural transitions to establishing his own studio and film career, Nipo embodies resilience.
He represents the authentic voice of Santo Domingo, talented, multifaceted, and deeply connected to his home.
Maya Collins is a writer at WorthAura.com with over 3 years of experience researching celebrity lifestyles and net worth facts. She enjoys sharing clear and trustworthy information about how famous athletes and sports stars earn and grow their money. Maya makes sure every article is accurate and easy to understand for readers.
