Latest news with #ElDelPalenque
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Los Alegres Del Barranco Apologize Over Cartel Kingpin Visual as U.S. Revokes Their Visas
Los Alegres del Barranco are breaking their silence after the United States State Department revoked the band members' visas for displaying a visual of a cartel kingpin during a recent show. On Wednesday night, the Sinaloa band apologized for the incident, saying that it will be more careful with their show 'narratives' in the future. 'Through this message, Los Alegres del Barranco would like to offer our sincerest apologies for what happened,' the band wrote of the Guadalajara show. 'As a musical group, it was never our intention to create controversy, much less to offend. We acknowledge that, as artists, we have a great responsibility to our audiences, especially to the new generations who follow our music.' More from Rolling Stone U.S. State Department Revokes Mexican Band's Visa Over Song Praising Drug Cartel Kingpin Top Trump USAID Staffer Accused of Violent Outbursts, Racist Remarks 'Lives Are in Danger' After a Trump Admin Spreadsheet Leak, Sources Say During their March 29 show at Auditorio TelMex, Los Alegres' video backdrop displayed a mugshot of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, a.k.a. 'El Mencho,' the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, as they played their song, 'El Del Palenque,' about the kingpin. The drug cartel organization was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in February. 'We deeply regret that part of the show was perceived as offensive or reaffirm that our music is inspired by telling popular stories within Mexican music,' the band wrote in their statement. 'We will take more rigorous measures regarding the visual and narrative content of our performances.' Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau announced on X that the State Department had revoked the band's work and tourism visas for 'glorifying' El Mencho by displaying him on screen. 'In the Trump Administration, we take seriously our responsibility over foreigners' access to our country. The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists,' Landau wrote in his post. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum also condemned the performance earlier this week, saying things like these 'should not occur,' and urged for an investigation. 'We have to see the connotation but … There can be no apology for violent, criminal groups,' she said. Los Alegres' case comes as Mexican music, including narcocorridos, have seen exponential growth in the United States. Just last week, the CEO of Del Records was found guilty of conspiracy to transact with a cartel, along with 10 other counts related to the Kingpin Act, over performances with the CJNG. Mexican songs telling stories about the drug trade and the leaders behind it date back decades, and bands like Alegres have sung their tunes, including Mencho-mentioning 'El Del Palenque,' without issue. Fellow Sinaloa band Máximo Grado addressed some of the conversations about the controversial lyrics about drug trafficking and the idolization of narcos in a recent Rolling Stone interview. 'Stopping narcocorridos is not the main solution to ending violence and drug trafficking issues that have affected the country for so long,' frontman Christian Félix said. 'Censoring free speech is never the solution to any problem.' Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
