Latest news with #MúsicaMexicana
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grupo Frontera's fraught online political moments of 2025 explained
Grupo Frontera gets that people want to ask them about the U.S.-Mexico border: look at their name and look at the current political climate. They mostly just don't want to talk about that. But behind the line of questioning have been the rumors swirling online that the Grupo Frontera members and those related to its members voted for and supported President Trump in the 2024 presidential election. The speculation has forced the "Tulum" performers to deny any affiliations with any political parties several times over. So ahead of the Norteño band's upcoming gig at SXSW on March 14, here's a refresher of turbulent 2025 online discourse the Texas artists have found themselves at the center of. In an interview with Billboard published Tuesday, the group was asked whether or not its felt the effects of the political moment. 'I mean, our group name, Grupo Frontera, I think it feels natural for people to be like, 'You're from the border,' stuff like that,' drummer Carlos Guerrero said in section of the interview that was notably conducted in December. 'We always try to keep that private.' Percussionist Julian Peña Jr. added the group aims to "talk about music, that's it." But this was far from the first time the "No Se Va" singers have been asked about or been placed in a situation where they've been forced to talk about the U.S. political situation. It does, however, follow a pattern of nondescript answers that the group's members have previously been provided. Read more: The Música Mexicana revolution shaping Southern California In a now-deleted TikTok video that circulated earlier this year, Grupo Frontera was shown dancing to the Village People's mega hit "Y.M.C.A." This concerned fans of the band online because of the song's heavy association with Donald Trump rallies, which the politician has used at his events since at least 2020. Around the time that the "Y.M.C.A." video circulated, Grupo Frontera was announced as the headliners at the Sueños music festival in Chicago. Soon after the announcement, a petition was started that called for the band to be removed from the festival lineup and has collected over 10,400 signatures. The Chicago man who started the online campaign said he paid over $800 and wanted a refund due to what he believed was the band's shift in ideology, according to the Chicago-Sun Times. The man admitted that the video of the group dancing to "Y.M.C.A" did not mention Trump or express any overt political views, but he noted that the timing of the post felt significant to him. Read more: Even 'Seinfeld' cast thinks Trump's awkward dance moves are worse than Elaine's Following the circulation of the video, the group's social media posts became filled with comments such as: "You guys should start singing in English," "In Mexico we don't forgive," and "Let's stop supporting a group that is anti-Mexican." The hitmakers seemingly responded to the online backlash they were receiving in a social media post. 'We want to clarify that Grupo Frontera has NO affiliation not alliance with any political party that's against immigrants and the Latino community,' the group wrote in a Feb. 7 Instagram story. 'Like many of you, our families and [group] members have fought and struggled for a better future, and we will always take our people's side, defending our roots and values.' The band continued, 'It's important you know that the opinions of our friends and family don't represent Grupo Frontera. We are immigrants, we are from the border, and Grupo Frontera will always be by and for the people." (Trump was not mentioned in the band's statement.) A few weeks later while on the red carpet at the Premios Lo Nuestro on Feb. 20, TV presenter Raul De Molina asked Grupo Frontera, "You guys are named 'border,' what do you think about the what is happening at the border between the U.S. and Mexico?" Read more: How a carne asada changed the lives of Grupo Frontera "We dedicate ourselves to music. We love everyone and want peace and love. Take care of yourselves," Peña Jr. responded. Social media personality and immigrant rights activist Carlos Eduardo Espina, who touts 12.3 million TikTok followers, was among the many people upset online and responded to the clip of the red carpet moment with a loud condemnation of Peña Jr.'s comments. "For me, this was one of the worst responses that I have ever seen to a question in my whole life," Espina said in a Feb. 21 TikTok video. "Just like the saying goes, there are times when not saying anything says a lot. ... what an embarrassment." Following that round of online criticism Grupo Frontera decided to address the situation head-on in a Feb. 22 Instagram video post. Read more: Column: I'm also sick of discussing Trump's madness. But we have to "We are migrants, our parents are migrants. And we want to tell you directly that we don't support any political party that is against migrants," Peña Jr. began the video. "With that said, there have been many things said about us that are not true." The band's bajo quinto player Alberto Acosta then addressed the "false news" that had been circulated online about the "un x100to" artists. "We are doing this [video] because people are putting us against our raza,' Acosta said. "For example the 'Y.M.C.A' dance, we had a routine before shows during our last tour where we'd dance a huapango or another song," band accordionist Juan Javier Cantú said. "We've danced to that song since primary school and it had nothing to do with any political party at that point." Lead singer Adelaido "Payo" Solís proceeded to talk about a TikTok video showing his grandmother dancing to "Y.M.C.A." in apparent support for Trump. (Trump was not mentioned by name at any point in the video.) Read more: Regional Mexican acts contributed millions of dollars at L.A.'s venues post-pandemic "I want to tell you all that the only opinions that count from Grupo Frontera are those that come from the group itself," Solís said. "Any person that's not one of the six members of Grupo Frontera can't have an opinion on our behalf, nor speak for us, nor express our emotions." Peña Jr. slammed home the group's intents with his closing statements. 'We are migrants. We're for migrants. We always have been,' he concluded. 'You guys know what we've done and have supported our raza in the U.S. and Mexico and wherever we are. That's what this group represents, not what's been said about us.' The Times has reached out to Grupo Frontera's representatives for comment. Get our Latinx Files newsletter for stories that capture the complexity of our communities. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grammy nominee Chiquis can't enough of true crime, cardio and this Becky G album
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to cream of the music crop is going for Grammys gold this weekend, but Chiquis has already made it into the "herstory" books. "Música Mexicana is at its best moment ever," says Chiquis of the competition at Sunday's 67th annual Grammy Awards. The Mexican American singer-songwriter's latest album, "Diamantes," is nominated for best Música Mexicana album (including Tejano). Aside from eyeing her first Grammy win, Chiquis is going head-to-head with male superstars Peso Pluma, Carin León and Jessi Uribe as the sole female nominee. She found herself in the same position at November's Latin Grammy Awards, where she took home the award for best banda album. "There's so much talent," Chiquis tells USA TODAY. "To be recognized in this already very difficult place to be ... and to be again the only woman, we're making herstory." Chiquis comes from Latin pop royalty. How the regional Mexican star found her own crown When Chiquis isn't performing or breaking down musical barriers, the singer keeps herself replenished with sweaty workouts, true crime television and soulful Mexican music. Here are some of her essentials. For Chiquis, the harmony between body and mind is indispensable. "I need to sweat at least four times a week," she says. "I feel like that is a game-changer for me. It's super essential for my mental health." The singer's go-to workout regimen consists of a mix of weight training and cardio exercises. While Chiquis is the first to admit she's not a runner at heart, she knows "cardio is just really good for all of us" and likes to get aerobic with incline walking or in the Peloton saddle. "If I get on the treadmill, I like to feel out of breath, so I like to do an incline," Chiquis says. Chiquis' beverage of choice these days? A bottle of good ol' H20. "In a world that drinks so much coffee and trust me, I drink a lot of coffee and tea, we need to stay hydrated," she says. While the "Quiero Amanecer Con Alguien" singer has a collection of Stanley cups to keep her hydrated on the go, her favorite water bottle as of late is the HyrdroJug, known for its built-in straw and insulated interior. "It's awesome," Chiquis says. "So, I'm that girl. I'm carrying the damn thing everywhere: the gym, the grocery store, in the car." When she's not indulging in reality TV ("sMothered," "I Love a Mama's Boy") or rewatching her favorite "chick flicks" ("The Notebook," "Me Before You"), Chiquis loves to put on her thinking cap with true crime, including series such as "Forensic Files" and "Snapped." "I started watching all that stuff because of my mom," she says. Chiquis' late mother, regional Mexican icon Jenni Rivera, died in a 2012 plane crash at the age of 43. "She would fall asleep with it, and I started falling asleep with it as well," she says. "Now I've learned through therapy we have to be careful with what we watch right before we go to sleep, but I just love figuring things out. "I feel like I'd be a very good detective. I watch so much of it that now I'm like, 'Oh, I know they're going to get caught because of this.' … I already figured it out before they did." Chiquis honors mother Jenni Rivera: Singer's children accept posthumous Hollywood star Emotional pop soundscapes from Ariana Grande ("Eternal Sunshine") and Billie Eilish ("Hit Me Hard and Soft") have been filling Chiquis' playlist. But she also has a spot for fellow Latin pop singer and "Cuidadito" collaborator Becky G, who recently released her fourth album "Encuentros." "I sent her a message. I was like, 'Dude, your album is so freakin' good, every song. I can listen to all of it,'" she says. "I'm so proud of her." Chiquis' favorite from the regional Mexican LP? "I love 'Todo.' I can listen to that song 10 times, over and over. … She sounds amazing." Becky G talks tour essentials: Family, '90s hip-hop and the Wim Hof Method Chiquis turns to the pages of Chuck Chapman's "Finding Your Way Without Losing Yourself: The Path of Integrity" as a guide for authenticity. "There's always been something with the word 'integrity' that I feel is really important to me," she says. "I can portray on social media, and we can all be good people on social media, but it's really who you are behind closed doors when no one else is watching but God." For Chiquis, the self-help book is "an amazing reminder of being a good person with good intentions and being yourself unapologetically." "For so long, it was that people-pleasing thing of, 'I don't want to disappoint anyone.' You're looking for people's approval," Chiquis reflects. But "this is what's important to me and my integrity. I need to feel whole." This interview has been edited for length and clarity. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Grammys 2025 nominee Chiquis loves Becky G, cardio and true crime
USA Today
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Grammy nominee Chiquis can't enough of true crime, cardio and this Becky G album
Grammy nominee Chiquis can't enough of true crime, cardio and this Becky G album The cream of the music crop is going for Grammys gold this weekend, but Chiquis has already made it into the "herstory" books. "Música Mexicana is at its best moment ever," says Chiquis of the competition at Sunday's 67th annual Grammy Awards. The Mexican American singer-songwriter's latest album, "Diamantes," is nominated for best Música Mexicana album (including Tejano). Aside from eyeing her first Grammy win, Chiquis is going head-to-head with male superstars Peso Pluma, Carin León and Jessi Uribe as the sole female nominee. She found herself in the same position at November's Latin Grammy Awards, where she took home the award for best banda album. "There's so much talent," Chiquis tells USA TODAY. "To be recognized in this already very difficult place to be ... and to be again the only woman, we're making herstory." Chiquis comes from Latin pop royalty. How the regional Mexican star found her own crown When Chiquis isn't performing or breaking down musical barriers, the singer keeps herself replenished with sweaty workouts, true crime television and soulful Mexican music. Here are some of her essentials. Why exercise is a 'game-changer' for Chiquis For Chiquis, the harmony between body and mind is indispensable. "I need to sweat at least four times a week," she says. "I feel like that is a game-changer for me. It's super essential for my mental health." The singer's go-to workout regimen consists of a mix of weight training and cardio exercises. While Chiquis is the first to admit she's not a runner at heart, she knows "cardio is just really good for all of us" and likes to get aerobic with incline walking or in the Peloton saddle. "If I get on the treadmill, I like to feel out of breath, so I like to do an incline," Chiquis says. Why Chiquis takes her HydroJug 'everywhere' Chiquis' beverage of choice these days? A bottle of good ol' H20. "In a world that drinks so much coffee and trust me, I drink a lot of coffee and tea, we need to stay hydrated," she says. While the "Quiero Amanecer Con Alguien" singer has a collection of Stanley cups to keep her hydrated on the go, her favorite water bottle as of late is the HyrdroJug, known for its built-in straw and insulated interior. "It's awesome," Chiquis says. "So, I'm that girl. I'm carrying the damn thing everywhere: the gym, the grocery store, in the car." How Chiquis' love of true crime keeps her connected to her late mother Jenni Rivera When she's not indulging in reality TV ("sMothered," "I Love a Mama's Boy") or rewatching her favorite "chick flicks" ("The Notebook," "Me Before You"), Chiquis loves to put on her thinking cap with true crime, including series such as "Forensic Files" and "Snapped." "I started watching all that stuff because of my mom," she says. Chiquis' late mother, regional Mexican icon Jenni Rivera, died in a 2012 plane crash at the age of 43. "She would fall asleep with it, and I started falling asleep with it as well," she says. "Now I've learned through therapy we have to be careful with what we watch right before we go to sleep, but I just love figuring things out. "I feel like I'd be a very good detective. I watch so much of it that now I'm like, 'Oh, I know they're going to get caught because of this.' … I already figured it out before they did." Chiquis honors mother Jenni Rivera: Singer's children accept posthumous Hollywood star Chiquis can't get enough of her fellow Mexican songstress Emotional pop soundscapes from Ariana Grande ("Eternal Sunshine") and Billie Eilish ("Hit Me Hard and Soft") have been filling Chiquis' playlist. But she also has a spot for fellow Latin pop singer and "Cuidadito" collaborator Becky G, who recently released her fourth album "Encuentros." "I sent her a message. I was like, 'Dude, your album is so freakin' good, every song. I can listen to all of it,'" she says. "I'm so proud of her." Chiquis' favorite from the regional Mexican LP? "I love 'Todo.' I can listen to that song 10 times, over and over. … She sounds amazing." Becky G talks tour essentials: Family, '90s hip-hop and the Wim Hof Method This book helps Chiquis stay true to herself Chiquis turns to the pages of Chuck Chapman's "Finding Your Way Without Losing Yourself: The Path of Integrity" as a guide for authenticity. "There's always been something with the word 'integrity' that I feel is really important to me," she says. "I can portray on social media, and we can all be good people on social media, but it's really who you are behind closed doors when no one else is watching but God." For Chiquis, the self-help book is "an amazing reminder of being a good person with good intentions and being yourself unapologetically." "For so long, it was that people-pleasing thing of, 'I don't want to disappoint anyone.' You're looking for people's approval," Chiquis reflects. But "this is what's important to me and my integrity. I need to feel whole."
