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3 days ago
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How Curaçao Became the Heart & Soul of Ryan Castro's New Album ‘Sendé'
On a humid and cloudy day in Curaçao, with its endless ocean views and pastel colonial buildings lining the streets, Colombian star Ryan Castro is eager to talk about the roots that shaped him as an artist and as a person. This isn't the all-too-familiar story of a global music sensation, but more an intimate look at the places, people, and moments that inspired his second album, Sendé (out May 29), an ambitious love letter to the Caribbean. Here, on the narrow streets of Jan Thiel, inside a Jeep Wrangler, Castro retraces the steps he walked years ago as a teenager juggling everyday jobs while writing songs and dreaming big. On this occasion, Billboard Español had the privilege of joining him on an intimate experience around the island. More from Billboard Zak Starkey Rubbishes Reports He Retired from The Who, Insists He Was 'Fired' Lorde Makes Surprise Appearance at Aotearoa Music Awards Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Perform 1996 Hit 'Tha Crossroads' on 'Everybody's Live' 'It was while I was living on the island that I blew up in Colombia,' the artist recalls. 'I think it was the right time to share that with everyone and let them know about my life here and my cultural influences too, because I love dancehall. A lot of the things Castro does are deeply connected to this island.' It was during those formative years on the island — where he spent a couple seasons because his mother lives here — that he refined his sound and began gaining recognition back in Medellín, ultimately laying the groundwork for the artist he is today. Hours later, we visit the nursing home where his mother, a nurse, works to this day — a place where Castro did shifts as a young man — while secretly ditching work and chasing his dreams. As we step inside, Castro reflects on the sacrifices his mother has made and how their journey together has shaped not only his life but also the personal story he shares on Sendé. Zipping across the island's sunlit landscapes, he shares laughs with old friends and waves to delighted fans, who call out to him for selfies as he explores the streets of his second home. With his sophomore album, Castro, 31, moves away from 'El Cantante del Ghetto' and fully embraces a more vulnerable, romantic side of himself. A love letter to Curaçao — the LP not only reflects a place where he lived and worked hard but also one where he unearthed a deeply personal part of his identity that had remained semi-hidden. 'Sendé is a very personal project that reflects everything I lived and learned in Curaçao,' Castro shares. 'It's full of emotion, Caribbean influences, and that dancehall vibe that's always been part of my style. In this album, Castro masters the fusion of genres like dancehall, kizomba, afrobeat and reggae, all infused with his signature urban style. He also collaborated with an impressive lineup of international artists, including Shaggy ('Exclusiva'), Peso Pluma ('Un Trío'), Manuel Turizo ('Menos el Cora'), and Curaçao's renowned local singer, Dongo, on the song 'Sanka', a title that means 'unfortunately' in Papiamento, a Creole language based principally on Spanish and Portuguese, spoken and written in the islands of Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles. But beyond the big names and captivating rhythms, the album is an invitation to explore his story and connect with the cultural roots that have profoundly shaped his artistic vision. 'The title [Sendé] comes from Papiamento and means feeling good, positive vibes, and that's exactly what I want to put out there,' he adds. In an exclusive interview with Billboard Español, Ryan Castro shares the moments that shaped his life, his deep connection to Curaçao, and how Sendé became his most personal project to date. Curaçao holds a special place in your life. How do you feel being back now on the island? I came to visit my family. My mom and siblings live here. Right now, we're driving through a neighborhood called Jan Thiel. There are really beautiful houses here where wealthy people live, and a lot of Dutch folks too. We're heading to a restaurant called Perla del Mar. I like going there because I used to work as a waiter and did a lot of things in the kitchen as well. Whenever I come to Curaçao, I bring my friends, family, or partner. I love reminiscing about those moments and sharing them with people who are super proud and happy to see me. Today, we're on our way to grab lunch, eat some fish, and recharge. From , inspired by your upbringing in Medellín, Colombia, to , a project rooted in Curaçao — how do you feel about sharing this part of your story and reflecting on those key moments in your life? I feel really happy because I think my fans were missing this side of me. I've shared a lot about my story in Medellín — life in the ghetto, singing on buses, where I came from, which is so special. But I hadn't talked much about this side, which is also something very emotional for me. It was while I was living on the island that I blew up in Colombia. I think this was the right moment to tell them about it and let them know what life was like for me here, as well as my cultural influences, because I love dancehall. The words I often use, like 'awoo,' are for them to understand where all of that comes from. A lot of the things Ryan Castro does are closely connected to this island. We've noticed that you also speak Papiamento and use phrases from this language in your music. What do these expressions mean to you? 'Awoo' comes from the local language here, Papiamento. It's a very street-style word. People here use 'awoo' like 'hey' or as a greeting. In Colombia, we use words like 'oe' or 'nea.' 'Awoo' isn't a formal word for conversation, but when I got here, I heard it all the time. I use it on my social media, and the fans embraced it — they even call out 'awoo, awoo' now to me. So, I started working with the word. This album, called Sendé — another word from Curaçao — means 'lit' or 'fire.' But here, people use it to mean that everything's good. You can say 'awoo' to someone, and they'll reply 'sendé.' On the streets, it's used to say we're feeling great, hyped, happy, partying, or full of energy. It's a very lively word. When did you move to Curaçao? You mentioned that your mom has been living on the island for quite some time. My mom has been living here since I was a kid. Basically, I was born, and about a year later, my mom came here looking for a better future for herself and for me as well. I came here when I was around 13 or 14 years old. My mom's intention was for me to stay and live here because she was already settled — she had her husband and everything in place. But I was too young, and I couldn't handle it. I was in school, and I ended up going back to Colombia. When I finished school, around 16 or 17 in Medellín, I sang on buses and hustled to make it. Once I felt more prepared, I told my mom I was ready to come back. I moved to Curaçao when I was about 20 years old. I came to spend time with her, to look for a new future in music, work, and my dreams. In , you worked with genres like dancehall, Afrobeat and some reggae. How has Curaçao's musical culture influenced your creative process for this album? Here in Curaçao, there's a lot of amazing music — party vibes and romantic tunes, at least around here. I learned a lot about kizomba, reggae, and carnival music. I think it's super cool because during the carnivals, you hear a very unique style of music called tambú, which is a really intense drum-based sound. At that time, I was already doing dancehall, rap, and reggae before coming here. But I'd hear those rhythms and think, 'How would my voice sound on that?' Or, 'I want to make a song and experiment with those flows.' I would go to recording studios, and there were Dutch, Jamaican or Curaçaoan people — I didn't even know how to communicate. So that pushed me too. I'd say, 'Bro, I need to learn their language to understand their music and culture.' I had to learn the language, and I did it through music, by listening to songs from here and picking up the street language. Culturally, I absorbed so much — the rhythms, the language, the way people talk, the carnivals, the parties, the music they play at the beach and in the restaurants — I loved it all. That inspired me a lot while making this album, and I even brought my creative team here so they could experience the music. I took everyone who collaborated with me on the album — producers, artists — to the boats and boat parties, the restaurant, the ocean, so they could feel the vibe of the island, and we ended up with an incredible album. You collaborated with artists like Peso Pluma, Shaggy, Sean Paul and Manuel Turizo. Tell us, how do you decide who to collaborate with? Honestly, I'm a bit particular about that. I like collaborating with artists I vibe with, where there's good energy between us. Of course, this is also a business, and it's great to work with someone who's super popular, but honestly, that's the least important thing to me. For me, it's key that there's chemistry and mutual respect. The song belongs to both of us, so we both need to be willing to put in the work — whether it's media, videos, content, performing it live, and everything else that comes with it. I've had cases where there are artists I admire a lot and have always wanted to record with, but when I meet them, I don't vibe with them. So, I'd rather not collaborate to keep admiring them and not lose the respect I have for them. For me, making a song is an intimate and special moment between artists, and both of us need to be fully committed for the result to be something truly beautiful. What do you hope listeners take away when they hear the album? I hope it makes them want to hit the beach and visit Curaçao. I want them to connect more with me — my style, my flow, my roots, who I am. The idea behind the album is also to put Curaçao a little more on the map, in people's eyes and ears. I even included an artist from here, named Dongo, on the song 'Sanka.' He might not be very well-known outside the island, but here, he's highly respected. For me, the album is also a way to give back to Curaçao for all the motivation and inspiration it has given me. Stream Ryan Castro's Sendé below. Note: The trip to report this story in Curaçao was sponsored by Ryan Castro's team, who provided funding for airfare and accommodations. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
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3 days ago
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Baltazar Lora, Doctor Nativo & More Emerging Latin Artists on Our Radar
Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors spotlight a group of rising artists whose music we love. Think 'diamantes en bruto,' or 'diamonds in the rough.' These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover. Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered either by networking, or coming across their music at a showcase, or elsewhere. See our recommendations this month below: More from Billboard Zak Starkey Rubbishes Reports He Retired from The Who, Insists He Was 'Fired' Lorde Makes Surprise Appearance at Aotearoa Music Awards Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Perform 1996 Hit 'Tha Crossroads' on 'Everybody's Live' Artist: Baltazar Lora Country: Colombian American Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Baltazar Lora was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky to Colombian parents, which explains why his sound straddles two different worlds. There's the Latin side that pulls at his heart strings and feeds on 70s classics from the Latin songbook. Check out his funky take on Danny Daniel's 'Por el amor de una mujer.' And then there's what he grew up listening to –alt rock like The Strokes and Cage The Elephant—which inform his original material, melodic, catchy and with an indie vibe that doesn't fall into the contrived territory of so many homegrown Latin acts. Lora can sing equally well in both English and Spanish, and in fact, his beginnings with his own band, in high school and later at Yale University, were in English. He's not only convincing in Spanish but also fills a void there. His latest single, 'Why Bye,' evokes the likes of Cage the Elephant but also Morat, and there's clearly an appetite for this kind of artist and sound (and the cute hipster look doesn't hurt either). Now working with veteran producer Kike Santander, Lora is testing different waters, and getting us to listen in the process. — LEILA COBO Song For Your Playlist: 'Why Bye' Artist: Doctor Nativo Country: Guatemaya (as he calls it) Why The Should Be On Your Radar: Doctor Nativo has long been a voice for the voiceless, weaving poetry and activism into music that moves both the spirit and the soul. Formerly known as part of the pioneering Guatemalan hip-hop trio Balam Ajpu — who fused indigenous Mayan philosophy with modern rap — Nativo has continued to channel ancestral wisdom into songs that grapple with current injustices. His latest track, 'Minorías,' featuring singer Adriana Primavera, is an emotional portrait of immigrant life. Set against nylon-string guitar melodies and haunting wind instruments, the single tells stories of struggle and survival, sung from the perspective of undocumented immigrants. Themes of familial heartbreak, displacement, and systemic oppression shape the lyrics, painting a devastating yet honest picture of life on the margins. The track, in a way, evokes Manu Chao's 'Clandestino,' striking a rare balance between beauty and heartbreak. The video, shot at the U.S.-Mexico border wall in Tijuana, underscores the song's urgency, as immigration remains a polarizing topic plays the role of an immigrant caught in the shadow of the American Dream, exposing the toll of chasing asylum and opportunity. — ISABELA RAYGOZA Song For Your Playlist: 'Minorías' Artist: Vivillo Country: Spain Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Vivillo made his professional debut in 2004, when he entered the Benidorm Festival with the song 'Soñé' under the stage name Viviarte. He was then 18 and had already been in music for over a decade, as he joined his church choir at the age of 6. Originally from La Línea de Concepción (Cádiz), Vivillo (real name: Rafael Fernández) has a Latin pop/urban sound with flamenco roots that can be heard on songs including 'Solo Tú' and 'Ella,' his latest singles. He has also collaborated with artists like Chabuco, who joined him on the song 'Alma de Cristal' for his 2019 album Hay Quien Espera. – SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS Song for your playlist: 'Ella' Name: Mattei Country: Puerto Rico Why They Should Be On Your Radar: In February, Mattei (real name: Sebastián Rodríguez Mattei) dropped his first-ever song called 'Pa Las Girlas' (for the girls). It's old-school beat à la reggaetón de marquesina instantly captivated the attention of artists such as Feid and Nicky Jam, who helped propel the tune to its viral success on social media. With his clean-cut yet bad-boy look and distinct voice, Mattei promises to become the next breakout star of Puerto Rico — so much so that genre icons Árcangel, De La Ghetto, and Jowell & Randy hopped on the 'Pa Las Girlas (Remix)' earlier this month. — JESSICA ROIZ Song For Your Playlist: 'Pa Las Girlas (Remix)' feat. Árcangel, De La Ghetto, Jowell & Randy Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
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23-05-2025
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Jesse & Joy's ‘Lo Que Nos Faltó Decir' Album & More Best New Music Latin
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week's picks below. Jesse & Joy, (Warner Music Latina) More from Billboard U2's Bono Calls for Hamas to 'Release the Hostages, Stop the War' During Ivor Novello Awards Speech Rob49 on Viral Stardom, 'Let Me Fly,' Collab Album With G Herbo & Making Music With Justin Bieber Preston Cooper on Offering Genuine Strength in 'Weak,' His First Radio Release With a range of sounds representative of their bicultural upbringing (Mexico-U.S.), Jesse & Joy present an eclectic 13-track album that spans pop, regional music, singer-songwriter styles, and soul. 'A sonic journey between two worlds, five cities, and all the words yet to be said,' as described in the press release, the Huerta siblings' seventh album was produced by Martin Terefe along with Jesse, and recorded across London, New York, Los Angeles, Bogotá, and Mexico City. Collaborators include Carlos Vives, Banda MS, Elsa y Elmar, Eden Muñoz and Poo Bear, on songs as varied as the focus track 'Empinar el Codo' with Vives — a heartbreak-themed pop song with a festive vibe — or the bilingual reggae track 'Nube' with Poo Bear, about feeling on cloud nine when experiencing the excitement of new love. The album opens with the sweet instrumental 'Canción de Mylo' and follows with the uptempo 'Digas Lo Que Digas,' one of the previously released singles, which also include 'Cuando Estamos a Solas' in support of Coming Out Day. Especially moving is the title track, a heart-wrenching ballad in Jesse & Joy's signature style. Lo Que Nos Faltó Decir coincides with the launch of the duo's El Despecho Tour 2025. It also comes at a special moment for Joy, who was recently nominated for a Tony Award as a composer for the Broadway musical Real Women Have Curves. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS Morat, (Universal Music Spain) Morat's fifth studio album Ya Es Mañana showcases a loyal band that skillfully navigates its evolution without sacrificing its true essence. Inspired by the powerful electric guitar riffs of the '90s, this emotional set travels from the engaging 'Faltas Tú' to the captivating 'Me Toca A Mí,' a collaboration with Camilo that thunders with potent drum beats and echoes Def Leppard's classic sound. Among the 14 gems are 'Antes De Cumplir Los 30,' which tells a story of youthful reflection; 'Por Si No Te Vuelvo A Ver,' filled with poignant longing; 'La Policía,' which carries an undercurrent of social commentary; and 'Cuarto De Hotel' with its rich, atmospheric emotion. The standout 'Vuelvo A Ti' captures the spirit of a new awakening with its refreshing and heartfelt approach. 'This is the moment to make the most of life, to be aware of what we must do now to create an incredible future. For us, this album embodies the idea of the band we have always wanted to be, and we hope you enjoy it,' said Juan Pablo Villamil during the band's album release party in Miami on Thursday (May 22). — INGRID FAJARDO Carín León & Maluma, 'Si Tú Me Vieras' (Socios Music) After teaming up for the runway hit 'Según Quién' two years ago, which peaked at No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay, Carín León and Maluma join forces once again for 'Si Tu Me Vieras,' one of the new tracks from León's Palabra de To's (Seca) deluxe album. The two songs couldn't be more different from each other: Unlike 'Según,' which leans more pop with horn instruments giving it that regional touch, 'Si Tu Me Vieras' is more acoustic, with prickly guitars and a slapping tololoche leading the way for a more stripped-down approache. Lyrically, both are ultra vulnerable singing about not being able to overcome a heartbreak. 'If you could see how I suffer realizing you're no longer with me,' they sing, almost wailing. León's deluxe release includes three other new songs, including 'Me Está Doliendo' with Alejandro Fernández, 'Tres Pesos' and 'Por La Suave.' — GRISELDA FLORES Sergio George, (Sony Music Latin) In early 2024, Latin producer Sergio George gave the first taste of his ambitious project 'Urban Salsa Sessions' with the release of 'La Puerta' in collaboration with Jay Wheeler. The heartfelt tropical tune set the tone for what would become the hitmaker's new studio album — where he reunited some of the biggest names in urban & pop to create brand new salsa songs. The focus track, 'La Gata y el Ratón,' features Fariana's sensual vocals, Juanes' electric guitar riffs and a sample of Cheo Feliciano's original voice for a bold interpolation of Cheo's 1974 classic 'El Ratón.' Moreover, George reeled in Ryan Castro on 'Amor Material,' Anthony Ramons singing salsa in English on 'I Was the One,' Elena Rose and Oscar D' Leon on 'Me Das Fever' and Cuban newcomer Bebeshito on 'Lo Sabe,' where he cleverly blends salsa music with Cuba's booming urban genre, reparto. Beyond its colorful and flavorful rhythms, Ataca Sergio! Presents: Urban Salsa Sessions, is also home to uplifting and motivational tunes such as the Mike Bahía and Annasofia-assisted 'Gracias,' a modern-day salsa with gospel undertones about gratitude, and closing track 'La Vida es Una FIesta' with Wisin. — JESSICA ROIZ Mau y Ricky, Danny Ocean & Yorghaki, 'Samaná' (Why Club Records) After collaborating in 2024 on 'La Penúltima,' Venezuelan stars Mau y Ricky and Danny Ocean join forces again —this time also with their compatriot Yorghaki— on 'Samaná,' a summer love song whose title is the name of a Dominican coastal city. In this fusion of bachata with Latin and Caribbean sounds, the artists sing about their desire to rekindle a fleeting romance with the woman of their dreams amidst sandy, sun-drenched parties: 'I ask God to take care of you/ And if you're with someone, to be careless/ I don't know if it took me too long to tell you/ But I want to finish what started in Samaná.' ''Samaná' is the result of several friends coming together to do what they love,' Mau y Ricky says in a press release — a camaraderie that's also evident in the music video and the artists' social media posts. — S.R.A. Alex Ponce, 'Como Ella Ya No Hay' (Neon16/Sony Music Latin) Ecuadorian singer-songwriter Alex Ponce addresses his ex's new love in his new single 'Como Ella Ya No Hay.' The lyrics are a manual for loving a lost love well. With an electropop base, an irresistible electric bass groove and enveloping harmonies, the song vibrates between what was and what will no longer be. For those who have loved badly and understood it too late, this song hits straight to the soul. — LUISA CALLE Myke Towers, 'Baja California' (From ) (Atlantic Records/Apple Video Programming) Set against the rugged terrain of the Northern Mexican state it's named after, Myke Towers' 'Baja California' captures the thrill of adrenaline-fueled velocity with unapologetic swagger. Interpolating Black Sheep's early-'90s hip-hop classic 'The Choice Is Yours,' the Puerto Rican rapper turbocharges the track with the chaos and control of dirt bike trails, daunting mountains and the tempestuous coastline. Produced by El Guincho and Oscar, the single also mirrors the tension and raw energy of the Formula 1 universe. Towers weaves sharp bars about risk, mastery, and chasing victory, embodying a speed demon fearlessly living on instinct ('a la adrenalina nunca le he tenido fobia,' he raps). 'Baja California' is part of F1: The Album (out June 27), the official soundtrack for the Apple Original Film, starring Brad Pitt. As the only Latin artist featured on the soundtrack album, Towers holds his own on a star-studded roster that includes Ed Sheeran, Sexyy Red, Burna Boy, and Tiësto. — ISABELA RAYGOZA Bronco, (REC PRIME INC) The iconic regional Mexican group celebrates its four-and-a-half-decade-long career with this compilation of 16 songs recorded live — 13 of which are duets with international acts from various music genres, such as Julieta Venegas, Matisse, Aleks Syntek, Vagón Chicano, Guaynaa, and Los Auténticos Decadentes. The album was recorded throughout 2024, during the group's Tour 45 performances in the U.S., Central and South America, in iconic venues including Luna Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City, and the Jockey Club in Asuncion, Paraguay. Among the songs included in this collectors piece are 'Pastillas de Amnesia,' 'Libros Tontos,' 'Oro,' 'Nunca Voy a Olvidarte' and 'Con Zapatos de Tacón.' Definitely a great gift for true fans of Bronco, a legend of Spanish-language music. — TERE AGUILERA Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
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13-05-2025
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Los Alegres del Barranco Spokesperson Defends Group Against Allegations of Glorifying Narcos
Luis Alvarado, spokesperson for Los Alegres del Barranco, is defending the Mexican band's right to perform narcocorridos freely, without being punished by authorities. 'Everyone who tells stories, whether with a pencil or an accordion, has the right to tell them,' Alvarado tells Billboard Español. More from Billboard Los Alegres del Barranco to Face Criminal Proceedings After Being Accused of Glorifying Drug Trafficking Twenty One Pilots Fans Jumped Into Veronica Mars Mode After Someone Took Off With One of Josh Dun's Bespoke Drums Palm Tree Festival to Debut in St. Tropez With Headliners A$AP Rocky & Swedish House Mafia In an interview on Monday night, the group's spokesperson rejected the actions taken against the quartet by the Fiscalía de Jalisco (Jalisco State Prosecutor's Office), which accuses them of allegedly supporting drug trafficking. The band projected images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho,' leader of the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation, while performing the song 'El Del Palenque' on March 29 at the Telmex Auditorium in the municipality of Zapopan. Jalisco is one of 10 out of 32 states in Mexico that have put bans on narcocorridos or any kind of expression that glorifies crime, even though it's not a federal law. Los Alegres del Barranco is the first group officially accused of allegedly promoting drug culture, along with their manager and the promoter of their concerts. At a hearing held on Monday at a court in Jalisco, the judge ordered precautionary measures like showing up at the court every week, paying a bond of 1.8 million pesos (around $92,000), and staying in Jalisco, except for three previously scheduled shows outside the state, at least for the next three months. The judge did not order pretrial detention, so they'll be able to continue their defense while remaining free. For Alvarado, this historic criminal case is about more than just the potential legal consequences. In his opinion, it 'violates freedom of expression' and goes against a tradition that dates back to the time of the Mexican Revolution (1910–1917), serving as an alternative narrative to the official history, according to experts interviewed by Billboard Español. Alvarado talked about the steps Los Alegres del Barranco will take to face justice in Jalisco, where they have four open investigations for performances in different municipalities where they allegedly glorified criminal activity. How is the group feeling after Monday's hearing and the start of an unprecedented criminal case for alleged glorification of crime? At the moment, our legal team has advised us not to share details about the judicial process, but we did want to express how the members of the group are feeling. I must say that, although this challenge has been very difficult for them, they remain strong and understand the heavy burden they carry — not only because of the possibility of being punished, but because they are defending an entire musical genre at this moment. As musicians, and alongside journalists, they are standing up for freedom of expression in democratic societies. The line between what is legal and what isn't is still very blurred. Different government officials have varying opinions, and that's how democracy works. That's why they are facing this challenge with focus and determination, but always holding their heads high. Is there trust in Mexican authorities? This is where we are right now. They understand that this isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. Since the judicial process isn't immediate, it will take time, as it should, because every issue being reviewed by the judicial system and the government needs time for all voices to be heard. All the group asks is that the members of the judicial system reviewing their case remain independent. The group has faith in the process, and we have a strong legal team supporting us all the way. They will remain strong, but most importantly, they will stay positive. In addition to Los Alegres del Barranco, other artists like Natanael Cano and Junior H have been called out in other states, although no criminal proceedings have been initiated. How do you see the outlook for corrido performers? Los Alegres del Barranco are asking for support from all musical groups in the genre — not just those who perform corridos, but also norteño musicians and all artists working in this profession in Mexico. They are calling for unity and for all artists to have the right to freedom of expression. Would you agree to regulation of narcocorridos without outright prohibition? I insist, it's still a very unclear landscape, but like any law that affects so many people, there should be a process to make things clearer and reduce confusion and problems for groups in the future. If that means there should be regulation, we'll be able to decide what the band will support or not after we finish this proceeding. The group won an injunction in Michoacán to temporarily perform narcocorridos. Will they attend the hearing scheduled for Thursday (May 15) in that state? Michoacán is a perfect example of how people can have different opinions about the same issue. The process of figuring out how an artist can practice their profession can vary from state to state, and that's where we're working to understand the unique challenges the band faces in each state, while making sure we follow the law and still keep the audience entertained. We will attend any hearing the government requires us to, and we do everything under the guidance of our legal team. I can't say this with absolute certainty, but as far as I know, yes, they will travel to Michoacán for the hearing. What will happen with the tourist and work visas that were revoked by the U.S. government for the group? We understand from the statement made by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, that they have been canceled. I can't confirm it personally since the group hasn't traveled yet, but I trust Deputy Secretary Landau's word, and we're treating it as a fact. What's next? We are navigating this with all the necessary attention to detail to avoid any mishap that could not only impact the group but the entire music industry. Los Alegres del Barranco have never faced a challenge like the one they are confronting today. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
12-05-2025
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Los Alegres del Barranco to Face Criminal Proceedings After Being Accused of Glorifying Drug Trafficking
Los Alegres del Barranco, their manager and their concert promoter will face criminal proceedings for projecting images of a criminal leader during a March performance in the state of Jalisco, a judge ruled Monday (May 12). During a hearing at the Puente Grande Penitentiary in Jalisco, Mexico, the judge did not order preventive detention; the accused will be able to continue their defense in freedom. A document from the Jalisco Prosecutor's Office shared with Billboard Español says that the precautionary measures ordered by the judge for the six accused (including the four members of the band) include regular weekly appearances in court; the enforcement of a financial guarantee of 300,000 Mexican pesos for each of them, equivalent to 1.8 million pesos (approximately $92,000); and their stay in the state of Jalisco, meaning they will only be given permission to attend three concerts in other states previously agreed upon and return afterward. More from Billboard A Timeline of Narcocorrido Bans in Mexico Dua Lipa Covers Enrique Iglesias' 'Hero' In Spanish at Madrid Show Tory Lanez Hospitalized Following Prison Stabbing: Report The accusation stems from a concert by Los Alegres del Barranco on March 29 at the Telmex Auditorium in the municipality of Zapopan, where images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho,' leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), were projected while they performed the song 'El del Palenque.' Authorities indicated that the investigation and the precautionary measures imposed by the judge will remain in effect for at least three months. Upon leaving the hearing, Luis Alvarado, spokesperson for Los Alegres del Barranco, told reporters that their fight is 'for freedom of expression' and thanked those who have supported them. Billboard Español has sent a request for comment to representatives of the band. Los Alegres del Barranco became the first act from the regional Mexican genre to be formally accused by the Jalisco State Prosecutor's Office of alleged glorification of criminal activities. The incident even led the U.S. to revoke work and tourist visas for the band members, as announced April 1 by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in a statement on X. The band, its representative, and the promoter are facing investigation from the Jalisco Prosecutor's Office for four performances in different municipalities of that state in which they allegedly glorified criminal activities, according to information published on May 9 by the same office. That same day, Los Alegres del Barranco won an injunction granted by a federal judge to sing narcocorridos in the Mexican state of Michoacán, despite the state decree prohibiting the broadcast of music or expressions that promote crime in public spaces, which went into effect in April. For now, the ruling only favors the group for having filed the lawsuit. The federal judge has set a new hearing for May 15 to determine whether to uphold or revoke the temporary suspension granted to the musical group. 'We are going to respond,' said Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla at a press conference on Monday (May 12). 'Today I will submit the initiative to amend the State Penal Code, which will establish the crime of apology and now make it a criminal offense.' Ten out of Mexico's 32 states have implemented various bans against narcocorridos or any expression that promotes or glorifies criminal activities, though such bans have not yet become federal law. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
