The escalating violence in northern Mexico has reached a chilling new dimension as drug cartels extend their reach into the cultural sphere, threatening musicians. Authorities in Mexico have confirmed that famed regional Mexican singer Natanael Cano, along with other artists, is now under state protection after a notorious drug cartel issued public death threats.
Over the weekend, unsettling images of a banner brandishing threats against Cano and several other performers in the Sonora region began circulating on social media. The message, purportedly signed by “Jalisco Matasalas,” a group operating within the Sinaloa cartel faction known as “Chapitos,” has ignited fears and prompted immediate action from law enforcement. The Chapitos, led by the sons of incarcerated drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, have gained notoriety for their ruthless tactics in a bloody power struggle in northern Mexico. Reports and indictments from the U.S. Justice Department detail horrific acts of torture allegedly employed by the group, including the use of corkscrews, electrocution, hot chiles, and even feeding victims to tigers.
The cartel’s menacing banner explicitly accused the targeted singers of providing financial support to a rival gang identified as “Salazares.” The stark warning delivered in the message left little room for misinterpretation: “This is the last time you will receive a warning, just in time for you to cut the crap. Mind your own business. If you don’t heed this warning, you will be shot.”
Confirming the authenticity of the threat, the Sonoran Prosecutor’s Office informed The Associated Press on Tuesday that the threatening banner was discovered hanging from a school. An official investigation has been launched into the incident. Allan de la Rosa, spokesperson for the prosecutors, stated that state protection has been offered to the artists to “prevent any aggression related to the direct threat displayed on the banner.” Details regarding the specific nature of the protection measures have not been disclosed. Cano’s representatives have yet to release a public statement regarding the threats and the offered protection.
The genre of Corridos, traditional ballads originating from northern Mexico, has a long and complex relationship with drug violence. While these songs often narrate the grim realities of life under the shadow of narco violence, they have also become intertwined with and sometimes glorify cartel culture. Despite facing criticism from authorities and threats from criminal organizations, Mexican regional music, including Corridos, is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly among younger audiences. Artists like Natanael Cano and Peso Pluma are at the forefront of this resurgence, blending classic styles with contemporary genres like trap music, attracting millions of listeners worldwide. Streaming numbers for Mexican music have exploded in recent years, with a 400% growth on Spotify in the past five years. In 2023, Peso Pluma even surpassed Taylor Swift as the most streamed artist on YouTube, highlighting the genre’s global appeal.
This is not the first time that the dark undercurrent of cartel violence has directly impacted the Mexican music scene. In 2023, Peso Pluma himself was forced to cancel a concert in Tijuana after receiving threats from a rival cartel, underscoring the dangers faced by artists who navigate this sensitive landscape. Similarly, threats of violence led to the cancellation of a Grupo Arriesgado concert in Tijuana. In response to the escalating threats and the perceived glorification of cartel culture, Tijuana authorities have taken a firm stance, banning the performance of “narco ballads” altogether in an attempt to shield young people from the pervasive violence. Previously, local authorities in other northern states had also implemented bans on narcocorridos, reflecting a growing concern about the genre’s influence.
The current wave of threats against musicians like Natanael Cano is taking place against a backdrop of intensifying violence in Sinaloa and other northern Mexican states. This surge in violence is largely attributed to the internal power struggles within the Sinaloa Cartel, sparked by events such as the kidnapping and capture of narco boss Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. The ensuing conflict between rival factions, including the group allegedly behind the threats to Cano, has unleashed a wave of brutality across the region. The gruesome displays of bodies appearing in public spaces, sometimes marked with macabre symbols like sombreros or pizza boxes associated with warring factions, serve as stark reminders of the ruthless nature of this ongoing cartel warfare.
In November, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to launch a campaign promoting musical genres less associated with violence and drug trafficking, aiming to counter the glorification of cartel culture. However, the continued threats against popular artists like Natanael Cano highlight the deep entrenchment of cartel influence and the ongoing challenges in protecting individuals, even those in the public eye, from the reach of organized crime in Mexico.
