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Yahritza y Su Esencia Address Backlash Over Comments About Mexico
Their unique blend of Mexican and American musical influences earned them success on both sides of the border
The band Yahritza y Su Esencia, made up of siblings Yahritza, Armando, and Jairo Martínez, is steadily advancing in the Mexican regional music scene despite facing a wave of criticism last year. Their unique blend of Mexican and American musical influences earned them success on both sides of the border.
However, after making controversial remarks about Mexico and its cuisine, the group faced backlash on social media, leading to public discontent and even being excluded from some music festivals. In a recent interview, the siblings opened up about the incident and shared how they’ve grown since.
The band members acknowledged their mistake. Armando Martínez, the eldest, emphasized how much their fans’ support has meant during tough times: “Thank God we learned from everything that happened. People still support us. We know we messed up, but we’ve grown from it. Time helps heal.”
They also explained that their comments had been misunderstood and expressed gratitude toward those who gave them the benefit of the doubt: “It wasn’t what we meant to say. We just couldn’t explain ourselves well, but we’re thankful to those who understood and forgave us.”
The Origin of the Controversy
The backlash against
Yahritza y Su Esencia started in 2023 when the band made comments during a visit to Mexico that many found disrespectful toward the country’s culture. Yahritza shared:
“I do like Mexico, but I don’t like waking up to the sound of cars and police sirens.” Her brother Armando added:
“I’m not really into the food here; I prefer the food in Washington. They season it better—it’s spicier and tastes good.”
These remarks sparked a wave of criticism on social media. Users accused the band of disrespecting Mexican traditions, despite being deeply connected to the regional Mexican music scene. Many fans felt the comments came off as dismissive rather than constructive, adding fuel to the public’s disapproval. The band even faced boos from the Mexican crowd during a performance in Mexico City in 2023.
However, with humility and a commitment to learning, Yahritza y Su Esencia are back on track, continuing their musical journey while reconnecting with their audience.
