A popular Mexican band, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, recently found themselves in hot water when they were slapped with a hefty fine of over $36,000. The reason? Their songs glorifying drug cartels during a performance did not sit well with the authorities in Chihuahua. Almost one-third of the band’s repertoire that night consisted of “narcocorridos,” which glamorize drug traffickers.
According to city official Pedro Oliva, these songs not only glorified crime but also alluded to individuals involved in illegal activities. This is not the first time Los Tucanes de Tijuana have faced repercussions for their controversial performances. In fact, they were prohibited from performing in their hometown of Tijuana from 2008 to 2023 due to alleged shout-outs to notorious drug traffickers during one of their concerts.
The issue of narcocorridos has sparked debates and actions across various states within Mexico and beyond its borders. This subgenre of regional music has been gaining popularity rapidly, with artists like Peso Pluma blending corridos with rap and hip-hop ranking as the seventh most-streamed artist globally on Spotify in 2024.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has taken a stance against banning narcocorridos outright. Instead, she proposed launching a music competition aimed at promoting peace and combating addictions as a strategy to counter the influence of drug culture among the youth. The government’s approach revolves around providing alternative avenues for artistic expression rather than stifling creative freedom.
The controversy surrounding narcocorridos extends beyond just fines and bans within Mexico. Recently, the United States revoked the visas of another band, Los Alegres del Barranco, for projecting images of a wanted drug lord during one of their performances. Additionally, Grupo Firme had to cancel a concert in the U.S. due to visa issues under administrative review by the American embassy.
The intersection between music and illicit activities raises complex questions about artistic freedom, social responsibility, and cultural influences on society at large. While some argue that censoring such content is necessary to curb criminal glorification, others believe in addressing underlying issues through education and positive engagement.
As authorities navigate these challenges, it remains essential to strike a balance between respecting artistic expression and preventing harmful messaging from perpetuating criminal behavior among impressionable audiences.
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