A Mexican State Is Now Empowered to Fine Artists for Performing Certain Songs

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The City Council of Chihuahua, located in northern Mexico, will impose penalties on artists who perform songs promoting gender violence, specifically mentioning genres like corridos tumbados and reggaeton due to the stereotypes present in their lyrics. 

This measure isn’t entirely new in Mexico. Back in 2017, the Chihuahua authorities imposed a 25,000 dollars fine on the renowned group Los Tigres del Norte for performing live narcocorridos, that are considered to «glorify crime». Moreover, the touristic state of Cancun, also wanted to implement something similar, even going so far as to ban certain performances. This action had an impact on Grupo Firme’s concert in May.

It’s important to note that a Councilor clarified that the reform is not targeting any specific music genre, but rather aims to prevent violence, particularly against women.  

     I believe there is misinformation regarding the approved reform. The reform is not directed at any specific music genre, at all times it respects the right to freedom of expression and the right of citizens to listen to the music of their choice.”

The councilors revised multiple articles in the Regulations of the Civic Justice System and Regulations of Diversions and Public Shows in the region, with the mission of preventing gender-based violence and sanctioning behaviors that «diminish the dignity of women through these musical styles.» 

On July 26, the municipal president announced the measure following the majority approval of the city council of the border city. The measure prohibits music content, videos, images, or any other similar material that promotes this kind of violence and music related to drug trafficking. 

The mayor of Chihuahua clarified that «due to the principle of freedom of expression», they cannot prohibit groups that perform such songs from performing in the city. However, he added that they can direct the fines imposed on them to shelters for abused women. 

Sanctions

The sanctions for anyone who performs songs that promote violence against women, encourage their denigration, marginalization, or exclusion range from  40,000 dollars (674,000 Mexican pesos) to almost 75,000 dollars (1,244 million Mexican pesos).

Natanael Cano’s Response to Critics of Corridos Tumbados

Natanael Cano, main precursor of the corridos tumbados genre, of course, has faced some harsh critics. As reported by Aristegui Noticias, Cano stated that his latest album Nata Montana indeed delves into sensitive subjects. However, he denied supporting the culture around drug trafficking. 

Nevertheless, he openly acknowledges that his own life experiences have exposed him to this reality, and he holds no reservations about discussing it. He doesn’t, however, want in any form to «influence» people regarding organized crime. 

In a discussion, he shed light on his nephews’ actions: they have been sending him images where they pose with fake firearms while being masked. He assured that he finds this behavior «not right».