Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum is set to launch a campaign aimed at curbing the popularity of “narco corridos,” a musical genre frequently associated with drug cartel violence. Sheinbaum pledged to promote alternative musical styles that are less connected to drug trafficking, in an effort to avoid glorifying traffickers. The campaign will feature “a competition among corrido bands that focus on different kinds of lyrics, celebrating various behaviors and cultural perspectives,” Sheinbaum explained, emphasizing that “banning them is not a viable option.” Instead, she stated, “the focus is on promoting a different perspective.”
Sheinbaum's strategy includes leveraging the influence of a 47-year-old northern governor who occasionally performs traditional “banda” songs. “One of the ideas we developed was in Durango,” Sheinbaum mentioned. “We discussed it with the governor, who happens to be a ‘banda’ singer.” Governor Esteban Villegas has occasionally taken the stage to sing banda music, which, although also driven by horns and bass, typically celebrates cowboys and working-class people.
In contrast, Peso Pluma, a prominent figure in regional Mexican music, is known for performing “belicon” or aggressive “tumbado” songs that often reference drug trafficking. At different times, several Mexican cities have attempted to ban live performances by narco corrido singers, with varying degrees of success. Last year, the council of Chihuahua issued a ban targeting artists whose lyrics are frequently accused of promoting misogyny.
Marco Antonio Gordoa Obeso, the leader of a musicians' union in the northern city of Mazatlan, expressed a desire to see other types of music thrive, but acknowledged that some audiences prefer narco corridos. “People request it,” Gordoa Obeso said. “Who am I to deny someone their preference?”
Source link: https://www.euronews.com
