Meet the Women Artists in the World of ‘Corridos Tumbados’

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The music scene in 2023 saw a sudden rise in Mexican music, especially in ‘corridos tumbados,’ which brought artists like Peso Pluma, Natanael Cano, Junior H, Fuerza Regida, Gabito Ballesteros, and others into the spotlight. But what about the women making waves in this genre? While we’re used to hearing the names of male artists dominating, there are female artists making their mark too.

Some established artists who have dipped into this genre include Becky G, who collaborated with Peso Pluma on «CHANEL» and more recently teamed up with Oscar Maydón for «MERCEDES.» Then there’s Belinda, whose return to music surprised fans and the public alike with her tracks «Cactus» and «300 Noches,» the latter featuring Natanael Cano, embracing the style of ‘corridos tumbados’.

Ya pueden escuchar Cactus aquí!! Gracias @SpotifyMexico 🌵✨ https://t.co/TPBbmhtcsR pic.twitter.com/9scamRNYzf

— Belinda (@belindapop) February 1, 2024

However, if we want to be strict about it, not all fall strictly under the label of ‘corridos tumbados’. Without going into a lengthy explanation, let’s break down this sub-genre of Mexican music a bit.

‘Corridos Tumbados’ Vs. Just ‘Corridos’

The famous ‘corridos tumbados’ originate from the ‘corridos’ genre, renowned for its fusion of storytelling and melody. They frequently depict narratives of individuals defying authority, heroic figures, and ambiguous characters. ‘Corridos’ hold substantial cultural importance in Mexico, serving as a medium for historical preservation.

Now, ‘corridos tumbados’ are a sub-genre of corridos, but they blend in urban, trap, and hip-hop influences. They’re like modernized corridos, aimed at a younger audience. While they maintain the core essence of traditional corridos, they’ve adapted the narratives to reflect contemporary experiences and surroundings. In essence, this genre has evolved to mirror the experiences of today’s Mexican youth (especially).

Certainly, we can notice this change quite noticeably even in how artists in the ‘corridos tumbados’ scene (or other related sub-genres) dress. They’re moving away from the classic Mexican look of hats, cowboy boots, and big belts, and leaning more towards the style associated with rap culture and street fashion. Even rocking urban outfits or more stylish looks.

All this Mexican music teaching isn’t just about enjoying great tunes. It also helps us appreciate the women who are reshaping Mexican music, even if they don’t strictly fit into the ‘corridos tumbados’ category we’ve been discussing. This doesn’t take away from their talent at all; if anything, it showcases their versatility. It’s high time we recognize their contributions and look forward to a future where female artists are equally celebrated in Mexican music.

Women in ‘Corridos Tumbados’

Yahritza Y Su Esencia

One of the most well-known figures in this genre is likely Yahritza. She, along with her brothers Armando and Jairo, makes up the trio ‘Yahritza y su Esencia,’ known for their regional Mexican music and ‘corridos tumbados.’ Despite her young age, Yahritza and her band have achieved notable success, performing at major festivals and collaborating with Grupo Frontera on the song ‘Fácil.’

Yahritza handles vocals and acoustic guitar, while her brothers play the accordion and acoustic bass, respectively. At just 13 years old, she wrote the track «Soy El Único», which gained international attention for their band.

Conexión Divina

Teaming up with Gabito Ballesteros on a track called «Paso A Pasito,» this trio of young Mexican-American women, Liz, Ashley, and Sandra, are exploring the sierreño genre. Signed with Sony Music Latin, they debuted with the single «Odio,» addressing the challenges of unrequited love, a theme many can resonate with.

La Martita

This young Mexican from Hutambapo, Sonora, is breaking stereotypes in the corridos tumbado genre. Rolling Stone notes that her album Abriendo Nuevas Rutas blends sierreño sounds with trap and hip-hop beats, touching on themes of empowerment, overcoming obstacles, and, of course, a taste for the finer things.

Michelle BI

Michelle Bojórquez, known by her stage name Michelle BI, is making waves in the regional Mexican music scene with her unique style of ‘hot corridos’. But that’s not all –she’s also a strong advocate for the LGBTQI+ community. In her songs, she blends her own energy, sensuality, and northern rhythms to create something truly special.

Itzel Vida

This young singer presents in her songs the essence of love, particularly from a female perspective. Additionally, her lyrics convey messages of empowerment and resilience.

Estilo Sin Limite

Dania Valenzuela serves as the vocalist for this ‘Estilo Sin Límite’ project, which redefines corridos by highlighting strong women and themes of self-love. They are signed with Rancho Humilde, the record label of several prominent corrido tumbado artists such as Natanael Cano, Junior H, and Fuerza Régida.

Ivonne Galáz

Ivonne from Ciudad Obregón, Sonora (Mexico), is another artist who has signed with Rancho Humilde. One of her standout qualities is her sincerity in sharing emotionally charged stories. She explores themes of love and heartbreak, but also tackles serious issues like violence against women. Moreover, her versatility extends to the corrido genre, where she covers topics ranging from weapons and drugs to luxury and conflict.

Tania Dominguez

Once again signed with Rancho Humilde, Tanía has been hailed by Rolling Stone as the most romantic voice in regional Mexican music. Her music tends to be slower-paced and doesn’t blend with urban genres like many others do. Her songs tell real stories, depicting gritty situations like addiction, teenage pregnancies, and the experience of being incarcerated as a woman.

Natalie López

This young singer was born in the United States, and her music often portrays sweet melodies accompanied by heartrending lyrics about heartbreak. Once again, under the Rancho Humilde label, she released her album Mil Pedazos (A Thousand Pieces). Additionally, she also emphasizes the significance of personal growth and transformation.

Like her female counterparts, she aspires to see herself and more female colleagues achieving the same level of recognition as male artists in regional Mexican music.