Latest news with #MazatlánCarnival
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grupo Firme Stays Firm, Set to Carry On With La Última Peda Tour in Mexico After Death Threats
Grupo Firme is set to kick off La Última Peda Tour on April 11 in Mexicali, following the cancellation of a performance in Mazatlán after a message on a banner with alleged death threats attributed to a drug cartel appeared in Tijuana. And the trek will proceed with reinforced security. 'People can come with confidence and have a good time,' Eduin Caz, the band's frontman, said during a press conference Thursday afternoon at Estadio Caliente in Tijuana, where the second show of the tour is scheduled for April 12. 'We have strengthened security for this tour in Mexico. The shows of Grupo Firme are meant to be enjoyed, and that's how it will be.' More from Billboard Grupo Firme Cancels Show in Mazatlán After Alleged Death Threats From Drug Cartel Ariana Grande Welcomes 'Brighter Days Ahead' With 'Eternal Sunshine' Deluxe Album: Stream It Now Lil Durk Releases 'Deep Thoughts' Album From Behind Bars: Stream It Now After a three-year absence from Mexico, La Última Peda Tour will take Grupo Firme to 23 stadiums across the country, including their eighth performance at Estadio GNP Seguros (formerly Foro Sol) on June 28. The tour will also mark their return to palenques, a more intimate type of show that allows for greater interaction with the audience. 'We need to relive that closeness with people that only these types of venues can provide,' said Jhonny Cazares, the group's third voice. 'Great artists we admire, like Alfredo Olivas and Julión Álvarez, do them. These [venues] are smaller, but they're no less important. Plus, they're part of our culture.' Meanwhile, the state government and the Baja California Prosecutor's Office are continuing their investigation into the threats against the band. The cancellation of the March 1 concert, which was part of the Mazatlán Carnival, was a result of the discovery of an alleged narcomanta and a human head in a box Feb. 25 in Tijuana — a fact confirmed to Billboard Español by the Baja California State Prosecutor's Office. So far, four arrests have been made in the case, Excelsior TV reported citing the prosecutor's office. 'We are grateful for the support of the authorities, who have been attentive from the very beginning,' Caz added. 'We can't share more details so as not to hinder the investigation.' Coming up, Grupo Firme will be releasing a new album in May. In an interview with Billboard Español, the singer shared some details about the project, which was helmed by renowned songwriter and producer Joss Favela along with Abraham Luna, the group's second voice and producer. 'The musical arrangements are different,' revealed Caz. 'We've incorporated piano, electric guitar, and saxophone with banda and norteño. Our musical roots remain the same. The lyrics are in my style, mostly about heartbreak — those are the ones that come most naturally to me.' He continued: 'We recorded 17 songs but will keep only 12; they're all very good. I don't want any of them to go unnoticed or not get the attention they deserve.' He also shared that it took them about a year to select and record the songs, with Caz contributing as a songwriter alongside Horacio Palencia, Nathan Galante, and Joss Favela — the same creator of 'El Beneficio de la Duda,' which led Grupo Firme to spend two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Regional Mexican Airplay chart in mid-2024. As for a potential collaboration with Don Omar — who recently expressed in press conference in Mexico City his desire to record with the band — Caz said: 'There's a great friendship. We haven't been able to align schedules, first due to health issues for both of us. The song has already been chosen; it's just a matter of timing. It would be amazing to make it happen.' 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
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grupo Firme Cancels Show in Mazatlán After Alleged Death Threats From Drug Cartel
Grupo Firme canceled a performance at a carnival scheduled for this Saturday (March 1) in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, after a message on a banner with alleged death threats attributed to a drug cartel appeared in its hometown of Tijuana. The regional Mexican music band confirmed on Wednesday (Feb. 26) the suspension of its concert in an official statement. 'We deeply regret informing you that the presentation of Grupo Firme for this March 1st at the Mazatlán Carnival is canceled,' reads the statement shared on the band's Instagram Stories. 'For Music VIP, the well-being of those who have accompanied us on this path — our family, which is you, our fans — is and will always be the most important thing. We hope to be able to meet again soon to sing, celebrate and continue making history together.' More from Billboard Carlos Vives Winds Through Biggest Hits at Viña Del Mar, Earns Gaviotas de Plata & Oro De La Rose, Whatuprg & More Emerging Latin Artists on Our Radar How to Watch Carlos Vives and Carín León Perform at Viña del Mar 2025 The cancelation of the show — originally announced as part of the Carnaval de Mazatlán, which starts Thursday (Feb. 27) and lasts until March 4 — came after the discovery of an alleged narcomanta and a human head in a box on Tuesday (Feb. 25) in Tijuana. The fact was confirmed to Billboard Español by the Baja California State Prosecutor's Office, which said that an investigation has already been opened. Requests for comments sent by Billboard Español to Music VIP and a representative for Grupo Firme on Wednesday night weren't answered at press time. On Wednesday morning, the Sinaloa authorities had confirmed that the Mazatlán Carnival would go on without changes, after stating that there were security guarantees for Grupo Frontera and attendees. This announcement was made by the Secretary of the Government of Sinaloa, Feliciano Castro, at a press conference. But hours later, the band led by singer Eduin Caz announced what was imminent: The cancellation of their presentation at the event. There, Grupo Firme was supposed to kick off the Mexican leg of its successful La Última Peda Tour, which included 14 dates in the country and two festivals in the U.S. The trek is produced by an alliance of promoters Music VIP, Music VIBE, Cohumanity and other companies. The Mexican state of Sinaloa has seen over 800 homicides in the last five months, according to official figures reported by Spanish news agency EFE, since an internal struggle began last September between two factions of the cartel of the same name after the capture of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, co-founder of that criminal organization that now demands that the U.S. repatriate him to Mexico. Grupo Firme now joins a series of regional Mexican acts that have received alleged threats from drug trafficking groups, forcing the cancellation of their performances in territories in conflict with criminal organizations. One of the most memorable cases is that of corridos superstar Peso Pluma, who had to cancel six shows, including a performance in Tijuana scheduled for October 2023, when alleged threats were issued against him by criminal groups. 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
