Texcoco, Mexico – A Mexican artist had to abruptly leave the stage at a concert after angering fans by revealing that the government had prohibited him from performing popular songs that glorify drug traffickers. The artist, Luis R. Conriquez, faced a tumultuous crowd in Texcoco, located 15 miles outside of Mexico City, as he explained the ban on singing narcocorridos, a controversial music sub-genre that celebrates the exploits of Mexico’s notorious drug cartels.
President Claudia Sheinbaum recently launched a music competition “for peace and against addictions” in response to the popularity of narcocorridos among young audiences in Mexico and the United States. Despite Conriquez’s attempt to comply with the government’s orders and respect the law by refraining from performing such songs, the audience’s discontent escalated quickly, leading to objects and beer being thrown at the singer and his band.
In a statement on Instagram, Conriquez’s manager, Freddy Perez, denounced the violent attack on the artist, band, and crew, emphasizing the need to respect the government’s directives. The state government confirmed the incident, stating that there were no injuries and urging against promoting violence or glorifying criminal figures in public settings. Narcocorridos are prohibited at public events in various states across Mexico, although their popularity persists on digital platforms due to the compelling narratives portrayed in the songs.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the U.S. State Department revoked the visas of members of a Mexican band who projected the face of a drug cartel leader during a performance in Jalisco. The controversy surrounding the concert highlighted the ongoing challenges associated with combating drug cartels and their influence on the cultural landscape. The face of Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was displayed during the band’s performance, drawing criticism and legal repercussions.
Authorities in Jalisco swiftly launched an investigation into the band’s actions, questioning whether they were promoting violence through their imagery. The incident underscores the complex relationship between music, cartel culture, and law enforcement efforts to combat criminal organizations in Mexico. As the government and law enforcement agencies continue to address these challenges, the cultural impact of narcocorridos and their influence on public discourse remain subjects of debate and scrutiny.
Overall, the incidents in Texcoco and Jalisco shed light on the ongoing tensions surrounding the portrayal of drug cartels in music and public events, underscoring the broader societal implications of glorifying criminal figures and engaging with controversial subjects in popular culture.